India T20 WC Squad: T20 World Cup 2022: Even though captain Rohit Sharma is certain that 80-90% of the squad for T20 World Cup Australia is final, the selectors do not think so. Before they meet for big selection meeting on September 15 for the WC, they believe “places for spots are very tight” barring a few. Even Virat Kohli may not be a guaranteed starter if he fails in the Asia Cup 2022. Follow T20 WC LIVE and Asia Cup Cricket Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
“Rohit is saying that from team management’s perspective but as selectors, we believe some places are still up for debate. We also have to wait for reports on Jasprit and Harshal’s injuries. Both are currently at the NCA and are recovering. As for Virat, we have to see how things go in the Asia Cup,” a selection committee member told InsideSport.
India T20 WC Squad: Rohit Sharma says ’80-90% squad final’, selectors feel ‘places for spots very tight’, Selection committee meeting on 15th SEP: Follow LIVE Updates
As the ICC has set September 15 deadline for T20 World Cup squad submission, the selectors will meet in Mumbai on the same date. Head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma are expected to join them physically in Mumbai. Both will be available as the Asia Cup will get over on September 11.
However, one can guess that majority of the Asia Cup 2022 squad will be retained for the T20 World Cup. The changes will be in the pace department while a few backups maybe called in for batting positions. Also, 4 pacers will be minimum considering the Australia pitches.
“There is still about two-and-a-half months left for the T20 World Cup. Before that, we have the Asia Cup and two home series against Australia and South Africa. So, more or less 80-90 per cent of your team is set, of course there could be three-four changes if at all depending on the conditions,” Rohit Sharma declared recently.
India T20 WC Squad: Rohit Sharma says ’80-90% squad final’, selectors feel ‘places for spots very tight’, Selection committee meeting on 15th SEP: Follow LIVE Updates
India T20 WC Squad: Who are certain to make T20 World Cup Squad?
- Rohit Sharma: Being the captain of the ship, he is certainty barring any late injuries.
- KL Rahul: The selectors have retained their faith in KL Rahul and he keeps his vice-captaincy slot. He is certain to open in Australia. While many have questioned his sluggish approach compared to what Rohit has laid out for the team, he has backed up his claims with tons of runs in IPL and T20Is.
- Suryakumar Yadav: A truly flexible batsman who can open, bat at No 3, 4, 5 and if required at 6, Suryakumar is India’s No 1 T20 batter. He has sealed his place in India’s white-ball teams.
- Rishabh Pant: He is No 1 choice for wicketkeeper. It’s not just his keeping skills but his batting flamboyance, particularly in Australia, that is well-documented. He is certain.
- Hardik Pandya: The only seam-bowling all-rounder in India’s plans is Hardik Pandya. He can bowl four overs and bat at No 6. His fine return to form makes him an indispensable player for India.
- Dinesh Karthik: The veteran player has reignited his form and is now India’s go-to player at the death. While it’s still not certain whether he will make it to the Playing XI ahead of Ravindra Jadeja, he is certain to be on the flight to Australia.
- Ravindra Jadeja: In Washington Sundar’s absence, he is India’s true spin-bowling all-rounder. Jadeja is certain to keep his place barring any late injury.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The experienced pacer has enjoyed da purple patch in white-ball cricket. His deadly swing and accuracy in death bowling are crucial to India’s plans. He is a sure-shot starter.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: After controversially dropping him for the T20 World Cup 2021, Chahal has returned to form. From being IPL purple cap owner to his exploits in India colours, he is India’s No 1 spinner in white-ball cricket at the moment.
India T20 WC Squad: Rohit Sharma says ’80-90% squad final’, selectors feel ‘places for spots very tight’, Selection committee meeting on 15th SEP: Follow LIVE Updates
India T20 WC Squad: Who are still uncertain to make T20 World Cup Squad?
While Virat Kohli would have walked into any team as a first-choice, his recent dip in form is well-documented. It especially gives selectors a headache when the likes of Deepak Hooda and Ishan Kishan make strong claims for the No 3 slot. Hence, for the former India captain, the Asia Cup 2022 will be crucial. He has to hit the top gear. Else, he may see him fall out of favour. But there are questions on the other places.
- Who will be backup opener? – While Ishan Kishan would have been first choice as a backup opener, there has been shift in tactics in the last two months. Instead of relying on Ishan, the team management have tried Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant for the opening slot. Both have had mixed success. But Suryakumar has provided India with a great opportunity to be flexible.
Hence, India may not opt for a backup opener at all. So, Ishan Kishan as he has been snubbed from Asia Cup squad, could be ruled out of T20 WC as well. What works against Ishan is his weakness against extreme pace.
- No 3 spot: Even a year ago, Virat Kohli would have been No 1 choice without any doubt. But his poor form put the team management in a big fix. They need a Plan B in case Kohli doesn’t work out. Asia Cup will hold utmost importance for Kohli t return to form.
Deepak Hooda is the front-runner for the backup spot. But Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson are also still in contention even though both have had mixed success. What works against Shreyas is his weakness against short deliveries. In Australia, he will face plenty of those.
- 2nd spinner slot: While Ravindra Jadeja is all but certain, he is still considered more of a batter than a specialist spinner. Hence, India will need a 2nd spinner. Axar Patel makes a strong case with his batting exploits but he hasn’t had much success with the ball in T20s of late. Instead, Ravi Bishnoi makes a strong claim. Besides him, experienced Kuldeep Yadav also makes a case but he hasn’t had much success in India colours as well of late.
- Pacers Fitness Concerns: Another area of concern for selectors is injuries to Jasprit Bumrah & Harshal Patel. Bumrah has had his old back injury resurface while Harshal is recovering from a rib injury. Both are doubtful for T20 World Cup and a call on both will be taken only later.
- Pace bowling contenders: If they are to miss out, selectors are likely to look into Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami. The veteran pacer was told he is not in plans for T20s. But desperate time calls for desperate measures. He could book the flight to Australia.
Arshdeep Singh is a legitimate option considering the form he is in. He has been supremely effective at the death. But for him, Asia Cup will be crucial. Deepak Chahar is also a genuine option but a lot will depend on his fitness. He made a fine comeback after a six-month lay-off with injury. But was immediately rested in the next match against Zimbabwe. The selectors are taking a wait-and-see approach.
India T20 WC Squad: Rohit Sharma says ’80-90% squad final’, selectors feel ‘places for spots very tight’, Selection committee meeting on 15th SEP: Follow LIVE Updates
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