The senior selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar has arrived in Ahmedabad to finalize India’s T20 World Cup.
They are likely to discuss the inclusion of Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill in the team.
However, there is a catch when it comes to Sanju Samson’s spot in the T20 squad. The management is looking for an on-board wicketkeeper who can play in the lower order or middle order as India already has a top-heavy batting lineup. As a result, Samson’s position in the squad is not yet guaranteed.
Which means that Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma are under consideration, as KL Rahul is set to miss out.
Shubham Gill too isn’t assured of his spot, as with inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the mix, India doesn’t need another similar player. Meaning the opener might end up in the reserves. However, Rinku Singh is most likely to be the extra batsmen in side.
As a result, Yashwi Jaiswal is being considered over Gill, as he has been performing consistently well across formats for India since his international debut. He has a strike rate of 161.94, with four half centuries to his name. And has also scored 502 runs at an average of 33.47.
However, with numbers 5, 6, and 7 being specialist roles in the T20 format, where finishers are crucial, the team management believes that players who are adept at these positions should be selected for the World Cup. That’s how Jitesh Sharma came into the picture, despite not making any headwinds at IPL.
Similarly, Dhruv Jurel too is the part of discussions, as he performed remarkably well in the 5-test series against England. He has also made unbeaten 52 under pressure. As for Rishabh Pant, he’s expected to be the part of the middle order, and is a left-hander.
What About the All-rounders?
With India in need of Six bowling options and in need of a depth in the batting line-up. They are set to carry minimum three all-rounders out of 15.
Hardik Pandya will be most likely to keep his spot as he’s a certified all-rounder despite his form being a concern. There are less options for now. Shivam Dube is expected to be the part of the team as a power-hitter.
But with CSK not using him as a bowler, there are apprehensions him is being an all-rounder. But with less options, Dube still remains a choice as a player as a batsman who could bowl few overs.
Status of Selection Meeting
Ajit Agarkar who has just returned from the holiday, had recently had a meeting with the captain of the team Rohit Sharma. On the sidelines of Mumbai Indians’s match against Delhi capitals.
Most likely, Rohit will join the meeting through video conference from Lucknow. The entire committee will also meet the coach on Tuesday.
And it remains to be seen how samson or gill will fit in the team considering the Indian team management has already talked to the selection committee about their needs.