India announces their 15-member team and four traveling reserves for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 this week. Hence, skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar held a news conference to explain their selection decisions.
Among the India’s squad chosen, there were a few unexpected decisions. Most notably the removal of Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh.
Agarkar described it as one of the “toughest decisions” the selectors had to make. Furthermore, explaining that the duo had done “nothing wrong”. The selection was based on combinations that the team desired.
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India announces Men’s T20 World Cup squad
Former cricketer Ajit Agarkar acknowledges that omitting Rinku Singh from the first 15-squad for T20 for India was challenging. However, it was based on the team combinations rather than his performance.
“Despite being left out, Shubman Gill and Singh were close to being included”, according to Agarkar. In the end, only 15 players can be selected.
Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav join Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel in the list of Indian wrist spinners.
Rohit didn’t elaborate on the reasons behind the decision. He said India’s early morning matches played in the tournament contributed to the decision.
Rohit wants a larger team with more spinners for a better balance and to suit the conditions. The two spinners in the team are all-rounders, so having Hardik in the team provides a balance to the team. Thus, it is possible to adjust the composition of the team based on the opposition.
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Why did India not select an off-spinner despite having four spinners in the team ?
Rohit said that it came down to Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel competing for a slot. Axar Patel recent form helping him secure place in T20 squad for India.
Ashwin and Axar were the only two players available due to Washington Sundar’s inactivity. As a left-handed batsman who is in good form, Axar was chosen because of his ability to bat in the middle order.
India’s lineup is balanced by numerous all-rounders, including vice-captain Hardik Pandya, two spinners (Axar and Jadeja), and Shivam Dube.
Agarkar stated that there is no substitute for what Hardik provides to the team with his all-round skills. In addition, his fitness will be critical for India.
Meanwhile, Rohit said that the duo would play the same roles as they do for their respective IPL teams.
Although Shivam has not bowled in the tournament yet. Rohit Sharma expects Hardik and Shivam to perform the same for the T20 as in the IPL.
As far as the T20 format is concerned, he believes that they will deliver when needed.
Rohit Sharma
The other disputed decision included the wicket keepers.India opting for Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant over KL Rahul, who excelled in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at home.
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Squad wanted wicket keepers who could bat down the order
said Agarkar
KL Rahul, who bats at the top of the order for his IPL team. He was not considered by the duo due to his middle-order ability.
Moreover, he dismissed concerns over Virat Kohli’s T20 strike rate.
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