Indian selectors have announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC World T20 tournament in Sri Lanka and India in February, with a notable omission: opener and captain in other formats, Shubman Gill. The decision follows a significant dip in Gill’s recent T20 performance, raising questions about team selection as they aim to defend their 2024 championship title. The squad will first participate in a five-match T20 International series against New Zealand starting January 21st.
The team, to be captained by Suryakumar Yadav, will be looking to replicate their success from the 2024 World T20 final against South Africa. This year’s tournament will feature 20 nations competing for the title, with India hoping to leverage home advantage alongside Sri Lanka. The selection committee also named Axar Patel as the vice-captain for both the World T20 squad and the New Zealand series.
Shubman Gill Dropped From World T20 Squad Amidst Form Concerns
Gill, 26, has struggled to maintain consistent form in the shortest format of the game, accumulating only 291 runs in his last 15 T20 matches with an average of 24.25. This downturn in performance prompted the selectors to make the difficult decision to leave him out of the squad, despite his leadership roles in Test and One Day International cricket. According to reports, the decision was made after extensive deliberation regarding the team’s balance and current player form.
However, the decision to retain Suryakumar Yadav as captain, despite his own struggles with the bat, has drawn some attention. Yadav has scored just 244 runs in his last 22 T20 innings without reaching a half-century. The selectors appear to be prioritizing Yadav’s experience and tactical acumen in the captaincy role, even while acknowledging his recent batting difficulties.
Key Players Selected
The squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. All-rounder Hardik Pandya returns to the team, providing both batting and bowling options. Youngsters like Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh, who have shown promise in domestic cricket and recent international appearances, have also been included.
The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Spin all-rounder Axar Patel’s inclusion provides further versatility to the team. Ishan Kishan also makes the cut, offering another top-order batting option.
The inclusion of Washington Sundar adds depth to the spin department and provides a reliable lower-order batsman. Abhishek Sharma, known for his aggressive batting style, is also selected, potentially offering a dynamic opening partnership with Sanju Samson. The team composition suggests a focus on power-hitting and adaptable bowling resources, crucial elements for success in T20 cricket.
The five-match series against New Zealand will serve as a vital preparation ground for the World T20. It will allow the selected players to fine-tune their skills and build team cohesion before the tournament begins. The matches will be played across various Indian cities, providing the team with exposure to different playing conditions.
India’s victory in the 2024 World T20 final against South Africa in Barbados was a closely contested affair, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. The team will be aiming to build on that success and maintain their status as a leading force in international cricket. The selectors will be hoping the chosen squad can overcome recent form challenges and deliver a strong performance on home soil.
Looking ahead, the performance of Suryakumar Yadav and the impact of the younger players will be key factors to watch. The team’s ability to adapt to the conditions in both Sri Lanka and India will also be crucial. The final squad composition for each match will likely depend on the opposition and the prevailing pitch conditions, leaving room for strategic adjustments throughout the tournament.
World T20 squad: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Axar Patel (vice-capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan.
ICC World T20 Official Website
Board of Control for Cricket in India
ESPN Cricinfo
