India’s T20 World Cup Squad: Big Star Misses Out, ‘Close Call’ Over Wicketkeeper’s Slot – Report

The BCCI has asserted that there will be no unconventional picks or trial selections for the Indian team. A source from the BCCI expressed that those who have consistently performed well for India in T20 Internationals and the IPL will be rewarded. However, the selectors are facing difficulty in assessing the impact of batsmen KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan in the middle order, as they have predominantly batted at the top of the order in the IPL. The 10 players, if fit, are expected to secure a spot in the squad.

It has been reported that Mohammed Siraj is being rested by RCB due to his extensive playing schedule, requiring workload management. The selectors are facing a dilemma in choosing between Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The former has scored more runs, but the latter is considered a significant talent for Indian cricket, resulting in the selectors being reluctant to overlook him based on a few low IPL scores. Additionally, Gill’s left-handed batting adds diversity to the predominantly right-handed top order.

The selectors might consider accommodating both Gill and Jaiswal, potentially dropping one among Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh from the 15. Yuzvendra Chahal’s superior bowling skills are acknowledged, but his repeated exclusion from important squads raises concerns about his potential inclusion in the June showpiece event. The ‘Impact Player’ rule introduced in the IPL has been praised for its positive effect on viewership but criticized for its detrimental impact on Indian cricket, devaluing the concept of an all-rounder and elevating the premium value of a half-fit Hardik Pandya. The selectors are also unsure about Dube’s bowling form, as he has assumed the role of an ‘Impact Player.’

The text also suggests that there are two upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, during which several young players could make their India debuts. Nitish Reddy, a seam bowling all-rounder who was part of the India Emerging side that toured Sri Lanka last year, is identified as a potential debutant. The probable 20-man squad in contention for selection includes specialist batters, all-rounders, specialist spinners, and wicketkeeper-batters, indicating a keen competition for places in the Indian team.