On Wednesday, BCCI released the much anticipated T20 World Cup squad. MS Dhoni roped in as a mentor. However, the absence of a few experienced players has worried fans.
The members in the squad indicated that India is expecting the spinners to play a significant role in UAE and Oman as the pitches will be old after the IPL.
Batsmen: Dhawan dropped, Kohli not among the three openers
While the selection of the batsmen seems pretty straightforward, certain sections of the fans are concerned about veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan not making the cut. Dhawan has been one of the leading run-scorers in the IPL over the last few years. However, Gabbar’s recent T20I form and his history in the T20 WC indicate that this was the right decision.
Moreover, a top 3 of Rohit Sharma, Dhawan, and Virat Kohli would be considered too cautious and pragmatic in the current day and age. All three of them play the anchor role for their Indian Premier League sides, so it comes to no one’s surprise that the selectors wanted a more dynamic batsman in the squad.
In many ways, Ishan Kishan has kept Dhawan out of the squad. Kishan is not only more fearless compared to Dhawan at the moment but is also versatile and can bat anywhere in the top 4 or 5 batting positions. Kishan can also serve as a backup wicket-keeper for Rishabh Pant.
Chetan Sharma also mentioned the selectors’ thoughts on Kohli’s batting position. He stated that Sharma, KL Rahul, and Kishan are the three main openers. While Kohli can feature at the top of the order, he is an asset in the middle order.
Spinners: Ashwin receives a call-up after four years, at the expense of Chahal
Ravi Ashwin is called back to the squad after a four-year hiatus from the T20I setup. Many factors could have led to his inclusion, but the main one is that Ashwin is an off-spinner. All the other spinners in the squad turn the ball away from the right-hander.
Ashwin will primarily be handy against left-handed batsmen. Washington Sundar’s injury could have also been a factor in Ashwin making the final cut.
Yuzvendra Chahal, who was one of the spinners keeping Ashwin out of the squad, has ironically been dropped. The selectors mentioned that Rahul Chahar is now the frontline leg spinner and that they were looking for spinners who bowl fast while making their choice. Kuldeep Yadav is also another name missing from the squad.
Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel are included in the squad as well. While Chakravarthy serves the purpose of a mystery spinner, Patel can be used as a backup to Jadeja or could feature alongside Jadeja if the opposition team is filled with right-handed batsmen. As things stand, Jadeja, Ashwin, and Rahul Chahar should feature in the lineup.
Pacers: Will three fast bowlers suffice?
Another talking point is the inclusion of just three pacers in the main squad, i.e. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The presence of three fast bowlers solidifies India’s stance on utilizing three spinners in their eleven. Moreover, Hardik Pandya is now fit to bowl his quota of overs, giving the team immense balance.
India has played games with just two pacers in the T20I side in the past, with Hardik Pandya bowling 2-4 overs in the match. This ploy could come into play again, especially if the pitches offer turn for the bowlers as expected.
Mentor MS Dhoni to bring winning mentality?
India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni has been named the squad’s mentor, which has caused excitement among netizens. Fans can’t wait to see the minds of Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit in action.
Virat Kohli has done a fantastic job as Indian captain across all formats, but he is yet to win a major tournament. On the other hand, MS Dhoni has led India to 3 ICC titles and has won 3 IPL trophies with CSK. His experience will be a massive plus for the squad.
Squad Overview
Overall, the squad looks very strong. Not only is the playing 11 solid, but there are some intriguing options on the bench as well. These players can come into play depending on the pitch, conditions, and even the composition of the opposition team.
Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, and Shardul Thakur are also named as backup players in the squad.
This team is exceptionally balanced. It includes two frontline fast bowlers and three spinners (one left-arm, one leg, and one off-spinner). Hardik Pandya serves the role of the 6th bowling option. Batting depth is critical here, as there is an all-rounder at number 8.
