With India’s squad for the T20 World Cup squad likely to be announced in a couple of weeks, it is a given that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
Most of India’s squad members pick themselves but there are a few spots still up for grabs.
There are many takers for the keeper-batter’s position, the fight for the second spinner is also interesting, and the third seamer’s spot can also be debated. And then there are questions about the combination.
Will take an extra spin-bowling all-rounder or a back-up for Hardik Pandya? Do they need a fourth seamer? What about more power hitters in the middle ord
Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal going through a lean patch in IPL, captain Rohit Sharma‘s opening partner.
There was no place for Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill.
The No.3 and No.4 spots went to Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav without any debate. At No.5, Kaif picked Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya.
Now for the interesting part. Kaif decided to Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant as the keeper-batter ahead of Sanju Samson, Kl Rahul, and Jitesh Sharma.
Pant, who has made a comeback to the cricket field after a long gap due to multiple injuries suffered in a car crash in December 2022, has been in top form for DC so far.
The attacking left-hander has already smashed two half-centuries and is sixth in the list of Orange Cap holders with 194 runs at a strike rate of 157.
Samson, on the other hand, has smashed 246 runs at the same strike rate by playing a match less than Pant. But Samson bats at No.3 for RR. In the Indian side, the keeper will mostly be slotted in at No.5 or 6.
“I will keep a lot of all-rounders because you need batting depth. So I will say Axar Patel at No. 7 and Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8. After that, Kuldeep Yadav, who is a skillful bowler, at No. 9. Then two fast bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. That makes it your XI,” Kaif explained.
For the remainder of the squad, Kaif explained why he would prefer leg-spinner Chahal over the experience of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
“If I talk about the squad, you will take one more spinner. I feel you will have to keep Chahal. He brings the option of a leg-spinner.
Ashwin went last time. He is not taking that many wickets this time (in the IPL). I believe Chahal is a very good bowler in those conditions where the ball will turn,” he opined.
“Then I will go with Shivam Dube. He is in great form and plays spin splendidly. He drives the game very well after six overs.
I will take Riyan Parag’s name. He is playing exceptionally well and deserves to be in the squad. That makes it 14, plus I will take Mohammed Siraj’s name. Although he is not in form, he is an experienced bowler and has a fantastic overall record,” Kaif said.
T20 World Cup squad for India
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wk), Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shivam Dube, Diyan Parag, Mohammed Siraj