MUMBAI:
The Indian cricket team selection for the T20 World Cup is not going to be a straightforward affair at all for the BCCI and Indian team management. While the majority of players are certain, there are certain spots which will be intensely debated, according to several reports. While the players in the XI select themselves, the main point of contention is the players in the backup role. Like, the backup opener, or the backup pacer and wicketkeeper.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the onus is on India captain Rohit Sharma to decide on two key points. They are whether to include a fourth specialist pacer, with Hardik Pandya already in the squad, and whether to consider Shubman Gill.
The report also claimed that Hardik Pandya may not be the automatic choice for the vice-captaincy. Rishabh Pant, who has made a remarkable recovery from injury, and is playing some great cricket for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024, is also in contention said the report. It further added that Yuzvendra Chahal, IPL’s highest wicket-taker, may not be picked for the T20 World Cup. Kuldeep Yadav will be the top-choice spinners while Axar Patel will edge out Ravi Bishnoi in the race for the second spinner.
The report further claimed that the top order will have skipper Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order will see Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja. Apart from them, either Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh will be there, while there is a choice between Sanju Samson and KL Rahul for the second wicketkeeper’s slot.
Hardik Pandya’s performance as a player has also left a lot to be desired for the MI fans as he scored just 197 runs in 9 matches and with the ball, he took 4 wickets at an exorbitant economy rate of 11.95.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad announcement, NDTV Sports conducted a poll to see what the fans think. According to the poll, which was conducted on NDTV Cricket’s WhatsApp channel, the fans think that Hardik should not be a part of the Indian cricket team for the competition.
