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Selecting an Indian team, especially for a high level tournament a world cup (in this instance of the 20-over variety), requiring a delicate tightrope-walk. About 80 percent of the team chooses itself; The remaining two or three berths invariably raise the heat and dust, no matter who the crew opts in or out of.
There are no major surprises in this one 15 elected party By Tuesday afternoon Ajit AgarkarA panel of five wise men, beyond the leg-spinner’s recall to the T20 format after eight months in the wilderness Yujuvendra Chahal. The 33-year-old last played a 20-over international at Lauderhill in August last year. Perhaps the fact that India plays all its opening league matches in the US influenced his selection, taking 13 wickets from nine matches for Rajasthan Royals. IPLYet it must be remembered that in his last three matches, he has been in double figures for 143 off 12 overs.
Chahal is one of the four full-time spinners, the decision maker – the selector, the captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid – Expect slower surfaces to facilitate rotation in the US and Caribbean. There was some discussion Ravi Bishnoi Replacing the old man as the preferred leg-spinner, especially in the fielding spectrum, his etherealness lies at the other end of the industrious Chahal. But Bishnoi has picked up just five wickets in nine outings and hence Chahal’s inclusion should be seen as an aggressive gamble as his inclusion in the XI will deprive the lower order of both batting and fielding.
As predictable as this team is, can it be improved? Didn’t the indomitable get a place? Rinku SinghLong considered a shoo-in for the World Cup but now named in the reserves alongside it Shubman Gill, unlucky to miss and the fast duo of Avesh Khan and Khalil Ahmed? Wasn’t there a case for Mayank Yadav, the outstanding young paceman who started the IPL with so much fire and brimstone but was forced to watch from the sidelines for the last fortnight with a hip / side strain?
Of course, there is heartbreak and disappointment when only 15 people can board a plane, especially when so many options abound, but this is a reality that cannot be ignored or changed. So, Rinku and Gil have to bite the bullet and channel their angst towards delivering exceptional performances for their respective franchises. Gujarat Titans captain Gill has a kindred spirit in Lucknow Supergiants captain KL Rahul. Previously one of the frontrunners for the position of second stumper Rishabh Pant, lost to Rahul Sanju Samson, who has been rewarded for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure without a drop in scoring rate. Despite his personal disappointment, Rahul grudgingly admits that his Rajasthan Royals counterpart deserves his place.
How much of a role has IPL form played?
It is very clear that the IPL form has been used as a convenient tool. Chahal has withdrawn due to his IPL exploits Hardik Pandya Retained his national vice-captaincy despite a terrible season with ball and bat in his first stint as Mumbai Indians captain. A successful Jaiswal has earned the right to partner Rohit, but he has only had one meaningful knock so far. Virat KohliHis presence is primarily due to the 500 impressive, though not exactly impactful, runs he has amassed for bottom-of-the-table Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Kohli’s staunch defense of his scoring rate and dismissal of those who question it is not just bluster and bravado. His strike-rate of 147.49 this season is significantly higher than his career IPL strike-rate (131.02), his overall T20 strike-rate (133.94) and his T20I strike-rate (138.15). It takes loads of courage and many layers of thick skin to consider leaving him; It wouldn’t have been a popular call if Kohli had stood up in a large contingent of fans. Of course these are not reasons to pick anyone, but given Kohli’s recent exploits, his vast experience, his unmatched expertise and his contagious energy, why not have him in the team? The only way Rinku or perhaps even the talented Tilak Verma can break through is if Kohli is not in the mix or if the think-tank has decided to go with just one wicketkeeper-batsman. Neither was really viable.
India’s best 15, then? On balance, one must say so. Maybe not in form, but what does he say about form and class?
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