IND VS WI T20: T20 World Cup selection puzzles: The T20 World Cup is just a couple of months away and India are still finding their best combination. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will use the IND vs WI T20 series to fix a few things. Who will bat at number three with no Virat Kohli in the squad? What about the number four slot – Suryakumar Yadav or Shreyas Iyer? Follow India tour of West Indies live updates with InsideSport.IN
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The next few months are going to be crucial for India in terms of finding the playing XI. They cannot afford to experiment much as well, which can be a tad tricky.
Here is a look at three big selection puzzles
No. 3 option
With Virat Kohli having opted for rest, it is quite a risky move. The former India captain is out of form and it provides a wonderful opportunity for Deepak Hooda to make yet another opportunity count. With Hooda’s ability to play big shots, he is a huge asset in the powerplay too in case of an early wicket.
The problem with Kohli as a number three in the shorter format has been his scoring rate. He does not find the ropes often and invites pressure. With the Indian team having approached a much aggressive route of late, Kohli does not exactly fit the bill unless he roars back into form of IPL 2016. It could also depend on the start by the openers, and they can even promote Rishabh Pant if there is a need to capitalise on a good start.
Shreyas or Suryakumar for number four?
Over the last couple of matches, Suryakumar Yadav has gone miles ahead of Shreyas Iyer for the number four slot. The former has all the shots in the book and possesses the ability to change game in a matter of overs. But it will be interesting to see if Dravid gives both the players a chance in the middle order in the West Indies series.
However, having Iyer is always a plus in the squad. Suryakumar will be aware of the threat Iyer posses in the number four slot. They are direct rivals, and if Suryakumar form dips, Shreyas can be considered for the all-important number four slot.
Ashwin for T20 World Cup?
India have five spinners, sans Yuzvendra Chahal, in the T20 squad for the West Indies. It is evident that the team is looking at options for the T20 World Cup when it comes to spinners.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion is an interesting choice, but with the World Cup in Australia, it does not make sense. Chahal is India’s number one choice with Ravindra Jadeja as the spin-bowling all-rounder. In fact, Kuldeep Yadav, who had a fine IPL and Ravi Bishnoi is ahead of Ashwin in the pecking order.
Follow India tour of West Indies live updates with InsideSport.IN
Editors pick
