India T20 World Cup squad press conference Live Updates: India skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed a variety of questions on India’s T20 World Cup squad. From dropping KL Rahul and Rinku Singh to picking Sanju Samson, the Sharma and Agarkar spilled the beans on the logic behind picking the squad. The duo also addressed the expectations from Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli while clarifying that performance in IPL wasn’t the benchmark for selection.
Witty Hitman at his best!
Expectations from all-rounders
“Unfortunately Shivam Dube hasn’t bowled in IPL but he is a seasoned all-rounder, bowls regularly in red ball cricket, so both him and Hardik will be bowling,” skipper Rohit Sharma said.
‘No concerns about virat Kohli’s strike rate’
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar says Virat Kohli’s strike rate hasn’t been discussed among the selectors. He backs Kohli to do well in the T20 World Cup, citing his vast experience.
All focus on Hardik Pandya
“Hardik Pandya is coming after a long injury layoff and he has looked fit and taken part in all games for MI. I don’t think there’s a replacement for the kind of role he plays. His fitness is critical,” Agarkar said.
The Rinku Singh problem
“The decision was the toughest. It’s got nothing to do with Rinku Singh. It is just the combination. We felt Rohit can have an extra spin option with two wrist spinners. He is in the reserves so that’s how close he was,” cheif selector Ajit Agarkar explains the logic behind naming Rinku Singh in the reserves instead of the 15-member squad.
India skipper addresses team combination for WC
“Our top order hitting has been alright and not bad. We wanted players in the middle order to come and hit out which is why we got Shivam Dube in. We picked a guy – Shivam Dube – based on what he has done in the IPL. And he has played a few games before as well. There is no guarantee on the playing XI. We will go there, assess the conditions and then select the side,” skipper Rohit Sharma said.
Agarkar explains why KL Rahul was left out
“Rahul has been batting at the top order, we were looking for middle order WK – we feel Sanju has the ability to bat down the order. It is about the slots we needed to fill, that is the thinking behind backing Pant & Samson,” Agarkar said.
Was the squad picked based on IPL performance?
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirms that the T20 World Cup squad was not picked based on the performances in IPL 2024.
Why was Rohit Sharma chosen as India skipper?
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar calls Rohit Sharma a great player and explains why he was picked as the skipper over Hardik Pandya.
Rohit Sharma spills beans on captaincy saga
“It’s been a great experience. I have played under a lot of captains. It isn’t new to me, Whatever is there, is there. You go by it and try and do what is required from you as a player. I have only tried to do that in the last month or so,” Rohit Sharma responds to query on captaincy.
PC begins!
India skipper Rohit Sharma, chief selector Ajit Agarkar address press conference on India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Wait almost over!
Rohit Sharma arrives for PC
King of T20 World Cups
Ajit Agarkar arrives at BCCI office
BCCI PC delayed
BCCI’s press conference has been delayed and will now commence at 4.30 PM.
Hits and misses
India’s T20 World Cup squad had a lot of twists, with several surprise returns and exclusions. The 15-member squad saw the inclusion of Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal while the exclusion of Rinku Singh left many disappointed. Shivam Dube found a spot in the squad while Shubman Gill has been named as a reserve.
BCCI’s mega plan for T20 WC
India will take on Pakistan on June 9 on a fresh drop-in pitch with hardly a clue about how it would play. But BCCI’s grand plan is regarding the Super 8 stages in the West Indies.
Rinku Singh gets more support
Destructive southpaw Rinku Singh didn’t find his place in the 15-member squad. Instead he joins the likes of Shubman Gill as a travelling reserve. Now, former chief selector MSK Prasad has claimed that there aren’t any better finisher than the KKR player in the team.
Let’s start
Hello and welcome to the Live Press conference of Team India skipper Rohit Sharma and Chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The duo would be answering the journalists over some of the decisions taken by the team management..and hopefully we would get the answer, as to why Rinku Singh was left out of the 15-member squad.
Let’s start
Hello and welcome to the Live Press conference of Team India skipper Rohit Sharma and Chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The duo would be answering the journalists over some of the decisions taken by the team management..and hopefully we would get the answer, as to why Rinku Singh was left out of the 15-member squad.
Well-balanced
But if we leave out the Rinku decision, it looks like a well-balanced squad, where there are enough match-winners in the team.
India World Cup Squad: Blend of Experience-Surprise
The 15-man squad announcement sparked both celebration and debate. Selectors prioritized a balance of experience and current form, hoping to break India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought. Notable inclusions included Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal, both rewarded for their stellar performances in the ongoing IPL.
Key Talking Points in Press Conference
- Second Wicketkeeper Debate: Samson’s resurgence as a reliable batter and captain earned him the role as Rishabh Pant’s backup. His consistency edged out contenders like KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.
- Chahal’s Spin Magic Returns: The leg-spinner’s comeback after a hiatus offers variety alongside Kuldeep Yadav, strengthening India’s spin attack.
- Dube Over Rinku Singh? A Bold Move: Shivam Dube‘s explosive batting and recent IPL form convinced selectors over Rinku Singh’s impressive strike rate. Dube’s six-hitting ability bolsters India’s middle-order firepower.
- Young Guns Get a Chance: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fearless batting brings fresh energy to the top order, complementing seasoned players.
Bowling Concerns and Backed Experience
Despite concerns over some pacers’ recent IPL form, selectors opted for established names like Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh to support Jasprit Bumrah. Their international experience outweighed current form, emphasizing trust in their ability to deliver on the big stage. Experienced campaigners like Ravindra Jadeja and rising talents like Axar Patel provide a well-rounded bowling attack.
More on T20 World Cup:
Full India Squad and T20 World Cup Schedule Revealed
The press conference is expected to delve deeper into the rationale behind these selections and offer insights into team strategy. Here’s a quick look at the full squad and India’s upcoming World Cup matches:
India T20 World Cup Squad:
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj.
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan
India’s T20 World Cup Schedule:
India are placed in Group A of the tournament alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and co-hosts USA. Their campaign begins on 5 June against Ireland at the newly-constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York before they take on Pakistan in one of the most awaited matches of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Tune in today to hear from Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar as they address the burning questions surrounding India’s quest for T20 World Cup glory.
