The biggest problem facing India’s national selection committee as it convenes on Tuesday to select the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates next month will be how to accommodate a talented batter like Shubman Gill in a well-oiled T20 setup.
The prolific Test skipper, who recently had a fantastic run in England, is now not settling in naturally with the team that will compete in the continental championship from September 9 to September 28.
How to fix something that doesn’t need to be mended will be the main topic of discussion for Ajit Agarkar and his colleagues.
Indian cricket is currently a T20 talent factory with at least 30 players ready to join the national squad, with three to four alternatives for one spot, making it a “scary” dilemma for the selectors.
Six cricketers with comparable pedigrees are available for the top three slots.
Throughout the previous season, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma were outstanding in the national colors; but, Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sai Sudharsan (the IPL Orange Cap winner) were just as excellent, if not better.
Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav are vying for the same bowling spot. Yuzvendra Chahal, the most cunning of them all, has long been disregarded.
However, only 15 players can be chosen by selectors, and those in charge of the T20 team’s decision-making have an intriguing viewpoint.
According to a key member of the team management, it would be unjust to deny a first XI regular from the previous season in order to make room for a more well-known player or brand.
According to the opposing viewpoint, Indian cricket benefits from having a single all-format captain who also serves as the sport’s most well-known brand. In this instance, Gill is a clear pick for many stakeholders moving forward.
However, assuming that everything will go smoothly is oversimplifying the situation.
The Indian T20 team has a remarkable 85% record and has won 17 of its past 20 games under the capable leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. Gill and Jaiswal did not play in any of these games.
However, there is a catch as well.
Gill and Jaiswal were playing T20 Internationals and doing well, including winning the IPL, before they became preoccupied with Test obligations in the last year.
Prior to having to miss T20Is because of Tests, Gill was Surya’s vice-captain. Despite not being regarded as a long-term leadership candidate, Axar Patel, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, did a respectable job as Surya’s deputy.
But if Gill takes over as Surya’s deputy, Axar would undoubtedly feel undervalued.
Selectors must play Gill in the eleven on Tuesday if they choose him in the 15, which implies that one of Sanju, Abhishek, or Tilak will have to give up a batting spot.
Rinku Singh might be dropped if Shubman is added to the 15. The powerful batter hasn’t accomplished much for India or the Kolkata Knight Riders under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
There is no such thing as a designated finisher in Gambhir’s book. Thus, decisions won’t be simple.
There are three contenders for the reserve seamer’s spot because Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are automatic selections in the lineup and Hardik Pandya is the best frontline pacer available.
Given that Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are regarded as red-ball experts, Harshit Rana appears to be the favorite.
It is believed that Bumrah may not be needed against the comparatively weak visitors team because Prasidh and Siraj will be rested and ready to go when the home series against the West Indies begins on October 2.
Gambhir’s preference for all-rounders is expected to guarantee Washington Sundar’s spot in the squad, and his top three picks are Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.
There will be some assistance for spin bowlers, but the wickets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi won’t be as sluggish and worn out as they were during the Champions Trophy.
Both Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy have not yet fully recovered from their injuries. So, Shivam Dube will follow Pandya as the second seam bowling all-rounder.
There is a battle between Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel for the second keeper’s spot. Jitesh, who is better suited for a lower-order position, had some strong knocks as a finisher for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their IPL-winning campaign.
