One doesn’t have to be a selector or cricketing expert to understand the some of the logic in the WC T20 squad announced by BCCI. Virat has truly ‘run the talk’ and bagged the ‘orange cap’ in on-going IPL’24 with brave performances, but even Rohit’s avid fans will agree that he’s no longer his old fluent self (both as batter and fielder) in T20 format, by quality standards he’s there to provide leadership to the undercooked rookies. But then the original ‘master of the game’ MSD would also do a great job as a Captain !
Since MSD at 43 wasn’t a serious contender, selectors understandably relied on the vast experience and maturity of Rohit and Virat being ‘wise old men’ serving Indian Cricket for decades, and therefore these two seniors don’t invite any real debate ! To us as keen observers, there’s a real toss up between the openers and Jaiswal scores over Rituraj and Shubhman Gill, being a left hander. For the future, Rohit’s place can be taken by a solid right hander like KL Rahul, Gill or Rituraj in T20s !
Moving on, a real shocker comes with Hardik Pandya appointed VC, who’s on-field show hasn’t inspired anyone (other than the selectors) and set the Mumbai stands on fire with protests in this IPL. Not contributing as an all rounder, with his lack luster leadership, MI is facing an ignominious slide and finds now it very difficult to revive its fortunes ! It’s tough to fathom why the persistence with Hardik, where IMHO, his brother Kunal contributes better as an all-rounder to the LSG team. As VC how is Hardik going to be the bedrock in mid-order ? Other all rounders are Jadeja & Axar and to an extent, Dube.
Also while Sanju Samson by virtue of his fireworks in this IPL deserves a crack at the WC, he hasn’t got the international exposure and composure of KL Rahul, who has also proved his credentials as a WK ! Being a left hander the team balance needs us to go for Rishabh Pant but his fitness should be monitored. Another old weakness persists in that most of the specialist bowlers chosen can’t bat, barring Kuldeep Yadav to an extent.
BCCI did a lot of juggling from the ‘problem of plenty’ of batters but have fallen short of acquiring skilled all rounders unlike the stronger Aussie and English teams. To buffs like us we hope that out ‘Men in Blue’ make the best of what’s served, including Hardik !
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