India’s T20 World Cup squad: No surprises in store, but Shubman Gill’s form to be discussed when selectors meet

However, the performances of Gill will be a topic of discussion. Since coming into the team in September, Gill has featured in the Asia Cup and the bilateral series in Australia and at home against South Africa. And in the 15 innings he has played, his highest remains the 47 made against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Since the Australia tour his scores read: 37*, 5, 15, 46, 29*, 4, 0 and 8. This dip in form has put the scrutiny lens on the opener as his form is also coinciding with Suryakumar’s struggle with the bat. With the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings and Ishan Kishan sending a timely reminder by scoring a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, Gill’s spot will be discussed. Suryakumar made 7 runs from five balls in the fifth and final T20 against South Africa in Ahmedabad, while Samson opened in place of an injured Gill (toe) and scored 37 from 22 balls.

There is an argument that since Gill is known to be a slow starter, all the onus has been on Abhishek to provide the impetus at the top. And having Jaiswal or Ishan at the top could ease the pressure on Abhishek and India can cash on the first power play by having two explosive openers. However, being the captain of the Test and the ODI team, Gill is likely to get a longer rope as there are still five more T20Is against New Zealand for him to find form before the T20 World Cup. The selectors are also not keen to bring in a new player with just a series to go as that will also be harsh on Gill as he has been picked in the squad with the long term plan of the T20 World Cup.

Rinku vs Washington

There is a school of thought among the selectors that they should go with the squad that was fielded in the Asia Cup. If that’s the case then the selectors have to choose between Rinku and Washington. The former, was dropped for the T20Is against South Africa with Washington preferred for his all-round capabilities. If that’s the case then Rinku would make the cut as an additional batsman. With Gill and Suryakumar struggling for form, Rinku could provide cover in case of any shuffles in the XI. It is understood that there is thought to go with three spinners and add one extra batsman for the T20 World Cup at home.

However, with the tournament being played in India and Sri Lanka, and coach Gautam Gambhir’s preference for multi-dimensional players, Washington comes into the picture. If the selectors reckon Hardik Pandya and Jitesh Sharma are good enough to play the finisher’s role, then they could go in favour of Washington as he provides depth in both batting and bowling.

The current team for the series against South Africa had four spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel (missed out of two T20 matches due to fever), Varun Chakravarthy and Washington.

The selection committee had already locked in pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, with two all-rounders, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube in the squad. The team is likely to stick with the formula of two wicket-keepers Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma.