The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup which will be hosted in the West Indies and the USA from June 2.
The Senior Selection Committee chairman Ajit Agarkar and Captain Rohit Sharma picked India’s 15-member squad on Tuesday.
However there are many surprising inclusions in the team and shocking omissions which created buzz among the cricket fans.
In a 15-member squad opener Yashasvi Jaiswal found a place with opening partner Rohit (captain) followed by Hardik Pandya who is newly appointed vice captain for the upcoming World Cup which raises eyebrows about his poor form.
In the much awaited race of wicketkeepers who are named in the squad are Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson.
KL Rahul was ignored in the selection with many questions arising despite his seniority and experience in the game and Ishan Kishan due to his form and inconsistency.
Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav will be seen batting at number three and four positions.
The new all-rounder Shivam Dube, who is getting praises for his swashbuckling batting in the IPL for the CSK, will further strengthen India’s bowling attack with Ravindra Jadeja.
Yuzvendra Chahal is making a comeback in this year’s World Cup. The four spinners in the team are Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
Right-arm leg break spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been axed in this year’s World Cup.
The pace attack will be headed by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj. India will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Group A on June 5 in New York.
Squad:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan and Rinku Singh.