The India squad for the ICC T20 World Cup is yet to be announced. However, there is a high chance that heavyweights like Shubman Gill and Axar Patel would miss out on the 15-member squad. As a result, they are likely to be taken as traveling reserves.
Along with the likes of Gill and Axar, young Riyan Parag is likely to be a traveling reserve with pacer Khaleel Ahmed. It is safe to say that the Men in Blue will boast of players in the traveling reserve who will make the playing XI in any other team. Such is the talent pool and the competition for a spot in the Indian Cricket Team.
Shubman Gill, Axar Patel as reserves
The heavyweight duo is likely to miss out on the 15-member squad selection. In an unfortunate state of affairs, the dynamic duo are unlikely to make the cut. Despite having a good IPL 2024 stint, young Shubman Gill won’t make it to the team. Since traditionally he has a top-order batter, there is no further space to accommodate him.
Team India needs specialist batters down the order as a result, there won’t be any place for Shubman Gill. On the other hand, Axar Patel too would be traveling reserve. The all-rounder won’t make the cut as Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube will be the three all-rounders in the team.
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Big reward for Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag lighted up IPL 2024 with his blistering knocks for Rajasthan Royals. Earlier, he was the top scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 510 runs from just 10 innings. At RR, he was promoted up the order, and he shone with flying colours.
Though the 22-year-old won’t be a part of the main team, he will be a traveling reserve. He can fill in at any time as an enforcer, should India face any injury concerns. Pacer Khaleel Ahmed too has been good for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. While Bumrah, Siraj, and Arshdeep are the pace trio, Khaleel is expected to be the pace reserve in the team.