As the deadline for the highly anticipated squad announcement for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaches, there seem to be certain issues which are testing the selectors at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Ahead of the marquee tournament of the year, the selectors would have to take some tough calls as they aim to build a 15 that will get the nod to travel to the United States of America.
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According to a report by news agency PTI, only one of Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans captain) or Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals opener) would get picked in the 15-member squad. However, if both of them are selected, it would mean that one of the two finishers – Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders) or Shivam Dube (Chennai Super Kings) would be snubbed.
While Gill has been able to pile up the runs having scored 263 runs so far in the ongoing IPL 2024, it is in stark contrast to Jaiswal who has struggled to capitalise on his starts. The left-hander has scored only 121 runs in the seven games played so far. Being a fine batter at the top of the order, along with the added variety of being left-handed, the selectors could continue backing the talented youngster though.
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Similarly, Dube has been in fine touch with the bat since the opening game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivering consistently. He has scored 242 runs in the season so far. Rinku has not had an outstanding impact in the tournament yet but this is primarily due to a niggle he picked up earlier. He has scored only 83 runs.
The report further suggests that Rishabh Pant is among those who would get the automatic call-up after the positive signs for Delhi Capitals as he has been able to hit the ground running.
But another tightly fought contest will be for the second wicketkeeper’s spot where Sanju Samson will compete against the likes of Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan. It would be difficult to give Rahul and Kishan a go considering that they have not played in the middle-order for their respective franchises.
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Samson, on the other hand, has played at the number three slot, leading the RR who are currently top of the table. He has also had a good start with the bat having scored 276 runs in the seven games played and is the highest run-scoring wicketkeeper in the tournament so far.
The reserve spinner slot could be another tightly fought contest with RR’s Yuzvendra Chahal leading the way followed by Axar Patel (DC) and Ravi Bishnoi (Lucknow Super Giants). Chahal has been consistent with the ball and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the IPL with 12 wickets. However, despite his international experience and being the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, he is yet to have played a single game at the T20 World Cup.
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Axar is fairly accurate with the ball and can also contribute with the bat. Bishnoi was in good form before the IPL that saw him storming to the top spot in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings for bowlers. However, he has not been able to replicate it in his IPL season thus far.
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