What does a captain do when he has a large pool of players to select his final squad?
The easy answer is that he will give all of them a chance to play in multiple games and pick the best 15 for the squad. However, there are two problems with this approach.
One is that fringe players get fewer games to prove their worth. The other is that it leaves the players confused about their roles in the team.
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have followed the easy answer approach over the past six months to finalise India’s squad for the T20 World cup in Australia. I am not sure if they found clear-cut answers to all their questions.
Here are some of those burning questions.
What is the best position for Rishabh Pant?
Over the past few years, Rishabh has been India’s talisman in Test cricket. However, his batting position and role in T20 cricket are muddled. In the last World Cup and many subsequent games, Pant batted at 4. Then, Rohit Sharma had Pant bat at the top of the order for a few games.
Now, in the West Indies, Pant is back at No.4. So, I cannot decipher the thought process of Indian management concerning Pant.
Looking at the travails of this batting unit against left-arm fast opening bowlers, they need a left-hander like Pant to open the innings to counter the threat.
Does Shreyas Iyer fit in this team?
Management seems to have great faith in Shreyas’ ability. They have given him an uninterrupted run in the past six months to solidify his position in the team.
However, he has not repaid the faith effectively. Iyer’s strike rate and average over the past six months have been sub-par. Iyer’s glaring weakness against short-pitched bowling has impacted his all-round game. He needs to go back and get his technique sorted out before donning the India colours.
How will Virat Kohli and KL Rahul fit into the World cup squad?
KL Rahul has missed most of the matches in the run-up to the World Cup. Even though he was a vital cog in the T20 batting unit before his injury, it will be dangerous for the team to pick him for the World Cup with little match practice.
In the all-out attack approach India seems to be following in T20 batting, does an anchor player like KL have a role to play?
Rohit has been handling Virat Kohli like a mother would protect her child.
(Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Virat did not play well. He gave him an uninterrupted run in the games. Rohit has allowed Virat to miss the West Indies games to keep him out of the firing line.
It looks like the team management has made up their minds to play Virat in the World Cup irrespective of his form in the tournament lead-up. Just like KL’s case, playing Virat based on his record is not a welcome decision.
Knowing the Indian thought process, KL and Virat will start in the World Cup. Such a decision will run roughshod over all the experimentation over the past six months.
Who are India’s best bowlers?
The picture on the bowling side is far more evident than on the batting side. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal are certainties. Arshdeep Singh has shown enough ability, versatility and potential that he will take the fourth spot.
Rohit has given Avesh Khan plenty of chances and has tested him in various situations. Looking at the results, Avesh Khan will not be a starter in the World Cup.
Ravi Bishnoi has done enough justice to take the back-up spinner slot to cover for Chahal.
Since his return, Hardik Pandya has been brilliant as the seam-bowling all-rounder. Deepak Hooda and Ravindra Jadeja have been in good form as well.
How much is enough?
Management has done enough rotation of players over the past six months and should decide now on their preferred 15 for the World Cup. These 15 should play the upcoming T20 matches and get their game plan set for the big tournament.
My first XI for the World Cup
Batting: Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Surya Kumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Dinesh Karthik
Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja
Other four: Virat Kohli, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel
jammel
Roar Rookie
Kohli needs to find his mojo again - before the tournament. Otherwise, he might need to sit this one out. I'd expect some quick/short stuff if I was Virat. Might challenge him IMHO.
jammel
Roar Rookie
I certainly agree on the premise. I don't think there'll be many teams that subscribe IMO - particularly India. I don't think they'll play King Kohli in their best XI, if all goes well. Same for Australia, Smith might miss out. Same for England with Root too. We will see.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I wonder if this isnt possibly the last ODI World Cup as we know it . South Africa’s last chance to put the chokers tag to rest . they’ve got the players . The top order of Hendricks , De Kock , Markram , Roussouw , Miller very decent , a strong seam attack led by Rabada , Ngidi , Nortje and the best spin combo they’ve ever had in Shamsi and Maharaj . Proteas will definitely fancy their chances this time around .
Kailash
Roar Rookie
As for kl and virat, i think they both will play from asia cup to t20 wc to get used to attacking cricket india is playing. Kl will find his mojo right back. Only kohli is worry at the point but i think playing in Australia will suit Kohli.
Kailash
Roar Rookie
I think t20 wc is a bit of lottery. Nobody imagined that aus would win t20 wc but the situation the toss, opposition they played ,played right into their game plan.No matter how good team you are , you will need a little bit of luck to win t20 wc . Rohit sharma is a lucky captain which virat never was. So, little bit of optimism there, ultimately it will depend on two good games semifinal and final to win the wc.
Brian
Guest
You need one floating batsman who can bat properly if your 2/2 which is either KL or Virat. Especially in Australia with the larger grounds. Rohit Pant Yadav Kohli Pandya Hooda Jadeja Bhuvi Bumrah Chahal Ash/Bishnoi depends on opponent.
La grandeur d'Athéna
Roar Rookie
I believe we would be doing a grave mistake to think we have large pool of players to select from based on the doubts handed out, rather than the quality of performances vs quality of opposition. We had a draw home series against South Africa, We won against England and We are playing against West Indies. If we go to back to last world come and time before that, We defeated New Zealand in New Zealand, it was a five nil whitewash i can not remember correctly , then what happened in world cup was there for everyone to see. We need to players to perform every match, not two out of three match. As for the team, we have rohit for a certain starters. I am not sure about Ishan , he seems hit and miss. Ruturaj is far from ready. Which makes KL to be stronger possibility . I personally believe taking Virat would be a huge risk given his form. SKY is a certain. Pant is a wild card,but he would be less of a problem given he does his glove work properly. Deepak is far from certain based on just one innings, i want to see more. Hardik only qualifies because he is pace bowling all rounder. DK has cemented his place as finisher. Jaddu is all round package and has always performed for team when needed. For pace, first two select themselves as Bhuvi & JassB. I think we will have to wait for third spot which will be fought for,by Shami, Siraz, Harshal, Arshdeep and Umran. The last three will do splendid job in their own day in certain condition, but will go for a plenty on the other day. I would stick to Ash as my spinner, with Bishnoi as back up. That makes my team for world cup Rohit KL / Ishan SKY Pant Hardik DK Jaddu JassB Bhuvi (1 if 4) Ash This is quite close to best team we could choose. My worry is, this team does not look nearly good enough to overcome the challenge of wining world cup. If we compare ourselves department wise, there are at least two three teams either precedes or at least have edge over us in every department. I want to see how we perform against Australia, that will answer a lot of question.
Tsat
Roar Guru
Shami is not a T20 bowler..Siraj leaks too many runs..both are brilliant in tests and OD Is..if you let KL walk in, then all your preparations over the past few months is a waste..2 out of the top six will come in cold..that is dangerous
jammel
Roar Rookie
I reckon Pant is better coming in at #4 or #5... Interesting - many Indians are saying Kohli won't be needed/won't make the squad or certainly not the best XI. You seem to agree. Sides - including Australia - will need to mix up their batting order more in this World Cup IMO. Makes it harder for the likes of Smith/Kohli to get a game to be honest. Unless 2 or 3 early wickets fall, teams like Australia/India will be looking to send in Maxwell/MMarsh/Stoinis/Head/Pant/Hardik etc. asap.
Rohit Agarwal
Roar Rookie
few quick ques: Shami not in consideration? How come Avesh Khan is there? Why not Siraj for Australian pitches? KL Rahul if he gets few matches before world-cup, i think he will gain his rhythm back after injury break...