Experience Trumps IPL Newcomers for India’s T20 World Cup Squad
The Indian cricket team is set to prioritize experience over IPL newcomers for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas. The national selection committee will finalize the squad by the end of this month, adhering to the ICC’s May 1 deadline for the provisional 15-member roster.
While some seasoned players may face disappointment, the selectors are expected to reward those who have consistently performed well in T20 Internationals and the IPL. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are in contention for a spot, but only one of the two finishers, Rinku Singh or Shivam Dube, is likely to make the cut.
The second wicketkeeper’s position is also up for grabs, with Sanju Samson facing competition from Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan. Rahul and Kishan’s lack of experience in the middle order during this IPL season complicates their selection.
Hardik Pandya’s bowling fitness remains a concern, but his selection is not in doubt. Virat Kohli’s inclusion is also a formality. Other automatic selections include Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav.
The reserve spinner’s slot could be a three-way battle between Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravi Bishnoi. Chahal is the most skilled bowler, but his repeated omissions from important squads raise questions about his inclusion.
The ‘Impact Player’ rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, has been detrimental to Indian cricket, according to a former international player. It has killed the concept of all-rounders, making half-fit players like Hardik Pandya more valuable.
While young players like Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma have performed well in the IPL, the selection committee is likely to ease them into the national team via bilateral cricket.
