In the last couple of days, it has become amply clear that the Indian selection committee will most likely go for an experienced squad for the T20 World Cup, without any surprises. A report suggested a group of 20 players who will make the cut with Rohit Sharma leading the side, and Hardik Pandya coming in as his deputy.
No surprises with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as the other two openers. In fact, with Virat Kohli doing exceptionally well for the RCB as an openers, he could well be starting out the innings with Rohit. Then we have the regular Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, and KL Rahul completing the batting.
It looks like, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal seem to be making the cut as spinners, with the expected names of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj being the prominent names in the pace department. But one only wonders, where is the innovation in the squad? If this would be the final looking squad for the T20 World Cup, then what about the players who perform well at the IPL 2024, and maybe in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
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Take 2007 T20 World Cup as Example
The inaugural tournament that Team India won, had a few surprising inclusions. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly were absent, and a young MS Dhoni led the side. An unknown Rohit at that point of time, Robin Uthappa, and Yusuf Pathan came into the team, and played their parts in the tournament. S Sreesanth, Gautam Gambhir, and RP Singh, who did not have a solid experience behind them, also proved detrimetal.
The only seniors that were part of the team were, Irfan Pathan, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh. Most importantly, these men led us to a World Cup triumph when no one expected them to.
A Clear Path to Success? Should 2007 Model be Replicated?
While it might be the unpopular opinion, but then the selection panel should look to be a little adventurous. Players performing at the IPL should be rewarded. This year, Riyan Parag is the second-highest run-scorer, shouldn’t he be made a part of the team? Then there is Mayank Yadav, who raked up speeds of over 155 kmph right from his first match itself. And showed tremendous control over line and length as well; so why not include him in the team as well.
Take the case of Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh. While Punjab Kings have been ordinary in winning matches, but the duo are single-handedly responsible for taking their games deep. Ashutosh, in the 4-5 matches he has played this year, is striking at over 205. The other one is striking at 180. In short, the two have been excellent.
Inclusion of Mayank Yadav & Ashutosh Sharma Won’t Guarantee Trophy
One isn’t suggesting that only younger players should be included in the T20 World Cup squad, but a balance is what is needed. But for that, tough calls would have to be taken, in the best interest of the team. Even this formula won’t guarantee a trophy for the Team India, but at least all in-form players would have a better shot at winning the title.
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