T20 World Cup 2024: Hardik Pandya Almost A Certainty In Team India's Probable 20 Squad; Suspense Over Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube

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New Delhi, Apr 17: Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee is unlikely to introduce any newcomers to the Indian Cricket Team from the ongoing IPL 2024 into the upcoming T20 World Cup squad for the USA and the West Indies.

However, there might be some disappointment for a couple of seasoned players when the squad is finalised by the end of this month. With the ICC mandating the announcement of the provisional 15-member squad by May 1, Agarkar and his colleagues face some straightforward decisions if all team members are fit.

"There won't be any experimentation or unconventional selections. Players who have consistently performed well for India in T20 Internationals and the IPL will be given priority," a BCCI source informed PTI on the condition of anonymity.

T20 WC Squad: Shubman Gill-Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Shivam Dube & Rinku Singh

It is anticipated that either Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal may miss out, but if both proven performers are included in the final 15, then only one of the two finishers, Kolkata Knight Riders' Rinku Singh or Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube, will be selected.

In the choice between Gill and Jaiswal, the former has scored more runs and has an edge. However, the selection committee may not give up easily on Jaiswal, who has been a significant find for Indian cricket, despite his recent low IPL scores. Being the only left-hander in the top four is also a unique aspect of his batting, which may work in his favour.

However, if Gill continues to perform well, it will be a difficult decision unless both players are accommodated in the squad, in which case one of Shivam and Rinku may be dropped from the 15.

Will Sanju Samson get a chance?

Another tough decision could arise for the second wicketkeeper's position, with Sanju Samson facing competition from Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan. Also Read: Sanju Samson showing consistency as he has fallen behind in pecking order - Anjum Chopra

Rahul and Kishan usually bat at the top of the order and have not yet had the opportunity to bat in the middle order during the ongoing IPL season, making it challenging for selectors to evaluate their impact in that role.

Virat Kohli IN, suspense over Hardik due to fitness

Despite concerns about Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness, his selection is not in doubt, while Virat Kohli's inclusion is considered a formality.

Who are the automatic choices for the T20 World Cup?

The other automatic selections include skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav. These ten names, if fit, will likely make the final squad. It is understood that Siraj is being rested by RCB due to his consistent playing schedule and the need for workload management.

The reserve spinner's position could also be a three-way battle between Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravi Bishnoi. While Chahal has superior bowling skills, his repeated exclusions from important squads raise doubts about his inclusion in the showpiece event in June.

Impact Player Rule In IPL Impacting Hardik, Shivam & Rinku's Selection?

The Impact Player rule, which resembles a glorified '12-a-side' cricket contest, has been beneficial for IPL viewership but detrimental for Indian cricket, according to a former international player and broadcaster.

This rule has diminished the concept of an all-rounder, giving premium value to half-fit players like Hardik Pandya who can bowl. Consequently, players like Rahul Tewatia are no longer considered despite being good finishers and handy bowlers.

Will youngsters be picked up for T20 WC?

In terms of the new crop of T20 players, Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have all performed admirably. However, the selection committee is likely to introduce them gradually through bilateral cricket rather than thrusting them into high-stakes World T20 matches.

There are upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka where these young talents could make their India debuts. Nitish Reddy, a seam bowling all-rounder, could also follow a similar path after being part of the India Emerging side that toured Sri Lanka last year.

It remains to be seen if the BCCI will arrange for players like Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, or Akash Madhwal to serve as net bowlers, providing them with valuable exposure.

Probable 20 India Cricketers In T20 World Cup Race

Following are the probable 20 players (15+5 standbys) in contention for India's T20 World Cup squad:

• Specialist Batters (6): Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh
• All-Rounders (4): Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel.
• Specialist Spinners (3): Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi.
• Wicketkeeper-batter (3): Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Sanju Samson.
• Pacers (4): Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan.