With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 in full swing, the anticipation for the announcement of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad is reaching fever pitch. The deadline for naming the squad is May 1, and the selection committee faces the daunting task of choosing the best players to represent India in the global tournament.
India’s quest for an ICC trophy since 2013 has been a long and arduous one, and the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies presents a golden opportunity to break the drought. In recent years, there has been a growing clamor for the inclusion of young and fearless players in the T20 format.
One player who has emerged as a strong contender for a spot in the squad is Riyan Parag. The Rajasthan Royals batsman has been in scintillating form in the IPL, scoring three half-centuries in his last four matches. In his last 15 T20 innings, Parag has amassed 771 runs at an astonishing average of 90 and a strike rate of 170.7.
“He is somebody that the selection committee has kept an eye on. All he needs to do is keep playing,” said legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar about Parag.
Another player who has impressed the selectors is Shivam Dube. The all-rounder has showcased his exceptional striking ability against spinners, making him a valuable asset in the middle order. Venkatesh Prasad, a former India pacer, has advocated for Dube’s inclusion in the squad, along with Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav.
“Shivam Dube for his striking ability against spinners, Surya for being the best T20 international batter, and Rinku Singh for his exceptional finishing ability. It will be great if India finds a way to have these 3 in the 11 in the T20 WC,” Prasad posted on social media.
However, the wicket-keeper’s spot remains a contentious issue. Prasad did not mention any specific names, leaving the door open for a number of players to stake their claim.
The selection committee will have a tough decision to make when it comes to the batting unit. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being automatic selections, the remaining spots will be fiercely contested. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul will all be hoping to prove their worth in the IPL and earn a place in the World Cup squad.
