The second wicketkeeper’s slot and all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s place in the side will be the two talking points of the selection meeting.
BCCI Selectors Set to Confer with Jay Shah to Confirm T20 World Cup Squad. Report Suggests “Hardik Pandya’s Position…”
The national selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, is scheduled to convene with BCCI secretary Jay Shah in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to conclude the 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup in the Americas. However, the official announcement may be delayed by a day. As the convener of the senior selection committee (men), Shah’s political obligations have kept him occupied, prompting the decision to hold the meeting in Ahmedabad.
The selection meeting will focus on two key aspects: the second wicketkeeper’s slot and the inclusion of all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the side.
KL Rahul (with an IPL strike rate of 144 and 378 runs to his name so far) and Sanju Samson (having scored 385 runs at a strike rate of 161) are reportedly still vying for the second wicketkeeper’s position.
Rajasthan Royals captain Samson has for the first time in over a decade been a consistent performer for his IPL side but there is no way his No. 3 batting slot is going to get him a place in the India team.
Another perspective suggests that players like Sanju Samson, despite having 25 T20Is under their belt, should not be considered solely based on one impressive IPL season, especially given his average of just 20 and a strike rate of around 135.
Regarding KL Rahul, it’s anticipated that one senior member of the coaching staff will strongly advocate for his inclusion. However, many opine that despite his stylish right-handed batting, Rahul’s approach to T20 cricket may be considered outdated.
However, he is still considered a better bet than Samson at No. 5 or 6 on slowish Caribbean tracks.
The alternative option, Jitesh Sharma, is currently experiencing a slump in form. Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel has not had the opportunity to showcase his wicketkeeping skills. However, during the last match in Lucknow, he did have the chance to bat extensively and scored a fifty.
Left-handed batsman Tilak Varma, who also offers valuable off-spin bowling, is being considered as an option. Additionally, pacer Sandeep Sharma, known for his effective slower variations during the death overs, is also in contention. Sandeep Sharma’s contributions have been instrumental in Rajasthan Royals’ ascent to the top of the IPL table.
Big challenge awaits 💥 pic.twitter.com/jGej0DfKzb
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) April 21, 2024