The BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee has recently announced 15 Indian players who are going to take part in the T20 World Cup 2024. A few names, such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, which everyone anticipated, are on the list. But few shockers are also there, as names like Rinku Singh and KL Rahul are wiped off the list. Although Rinku still got into the reserves.
KL Rahul, Sandeep Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who are doing well in the IPL, have been omitted fully. Whereas, looking at the ICC rule, which says that until May 25, teams can make changes. In the last 50-over World Cup, we saw how veteran spinner R Ashwin got into the India squad by replacing injured Axar Patel. Since changes can be made in this 20-over World Cup also, let’s see three names that India can consider adding. If not all three, they can certainly add one of these three players according to their needs if required.
3 players who may still make it into India T20 World Cup 2024 squad
| Players | Specialization |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Spinner |
| T. Natarajan | Pacer |
Abhishek Sharma
In the 15-member squad, India has top-quality batters who can play according to the situation. At the top order Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who know better than anyone how to utilize the first 6 overs. Then there’s Virat Kohli, who is the best at building partnerships. However, if India faces any issues in the future at the T20 World Cup, such as if any of the batters get injured, there is no better replacement than Abhishek Sharma.
Sharma has been doing wonders with his bat this IPL season. Playing for SRH in 10 matches to date, he has scored 315 runs with a specatcular strike rate of 208.6. Known for giving a dazzling start to the team, this left-handed opener knows how to tear bowlers in the first 6 overs. Also can also perform well in lower-order positions. Batting at number 6, he has a strike rate of more than 150. If the Indian team needs a batter, Sharma might be their first pick.
Ravi Bishnoi
Current ICC T20I’s 5th-ranked bowler, Ravi Bishnoi, has also not been included in the India T20 World Cup 2024 squad. The Indian team is going with four spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Looking at the spin department, India seems to have covered this area well. However, if India faces difficulties due to injuries to any of the spinners or considering the pitches in the West Indies, where an additional spinner might be needed, BCCI might consider Bishnoi for this role.
With his wicket-taking abilities and capability of bowling in the batting powerplay, he could be the best replacement player if needed. As mentioned, India needs spinners, especially in the West Indies, where pitches tend to be slower. In this scenario, Bishnoi’s addition might provide more strength to the spin department.
T. Natarajan
On one hand, spinners will certainly play an important role in the USA and West Indies. On the other hand, the role of pacers is also crucial. Many critics have mentioned that India is lacking pacers. While India has the world’s best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, there aren’t many others who are consistently performing well in the shorter format of the game. Undoubtedly, Siraj, Arshdeep, and if needed, Hardik Pandya, might provide assistance. However, if India looks to address this issue, they might consider T Natarajan once again.
He is doing a wonderful job for SRH in the ongoing IPL, having taken 15 wickets in 8 games with a bowling economy of 8.97. He currently stands at the second spot on the leading wicket-taker list. Natarajan has been considered the best middle-over bowler, so if there’s a need to solidify the pace bowling, he is a good option.
