The Indian team for the T20 World Cup is unlikely to feature too many surprises, except for the potential return of Rishabh Pant, whose selection could be considered unexpected given his absence from international cricket due to injury for over 16 months.
Nonetheless, his recent performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) seem to have positioned him favorably for a comeback.
The Indian team management is reportedly convinced of his readiness for international action, provided he maintains decent scores.
Pant, who underwent knee surgery, has demonstrated both his batting and wicketkeeping prowess, earning praise from former Australian captain Michael Clarke, who expressed his eagerness to see Pant back in Indian colors.
Sourav Ganguly, the former India captain and BCCI president, also noted Pant’s impressive form and fitness, suggesting that the selectors might consider him for international selection based on his performance in a few more IPL matches.
In the IPL, Pant has scored 153 runs in five games, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset.
However, he faces competition from other contenders such as Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma for the second wicketkeeper’s spot in the Indian team.
While Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the squad seems almost certain, the selectors are deliberating over how to accommodate players like Shubman Gill and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Additionally, emerging talents like Mayank Yadav, known for his impressive pace, are under consideration, though his selection for the World Cup is yet to be decided.
The selectors are proceeding cautiously, evaluating factors such as fitness, consistency, and game sense before finalizing the squad, which is expected to be announced in the first week of May.
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