India revealed their squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, leading to some expected surprises with its selection choices. The lineup showcases several surprising inclusions and exclusions, with the latter being more notable. The depth of talent available with the selectors ensures that every squad comes with its share of surprising exclusions, and this revelation is no different.
Rohit Sharma takes the captaincy role, aiming to guide India to victory in the T20 World Cup with all-rounder Hardik Pandya being Rohit’s deputy.
Sanju Samson outperforms KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik to secure the second wicketkeeper position
In this IPL season, Rishabh Pant has convincingly demonstrated his full recovery from a car accident that sidelined him from cricket since December 2022. With his impressive performance, it was expected that he would be included in the squad for the World Cup, barring any fitness issues.
While Sanju Samson secures a spot in the squad, he’ll likely be relegated to the bench with Rishabh Pant taking the gloves. KL Rahul’s recent accomplishments as a wicketkeeper-batsman have shown him as a strong contender for the role, while the experienced campaigner Dinesh Karthik has expressed his availability for selection in the T20 World Cup with him being in exceptional form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, having scored 262 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 195.52 and an average of 52.40 in eight innings as a finisher.
However, the most notable exclusion in this lineup is KL Rahul. Although he hasn’t featured in a T20I since the semi-final of the previous T20 World Cup in November 2022, Rahul is recognized as an experienced member of both the Test and ODI squads and has also led India in T20s once during a 2022 Asia Cup encounter against Afghanistan.
Yashasvi Jaiswal surpasses Shubman Gill and Rahul
Another significant exclusion is Shubhman Gill, who was considered one of the top contenders to partner captain Rohit Sharma as the opening batsman alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal before the commencement of the 2024 IPL season.
Despite Gill’s higher run count in this year’s IPL compared to Jaiswal, the latter’s superior strike rate and impressive performance in his limited T20I career seem to have given him the edge. Gill has collected 335 runs in 14 T20Is at a strike rate of 147.57 and an average of 25.76, while Jaiswal has accumulated 502 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 161.93 and an average of 33.46.
Shivam Dube chosen over Rinku Singh, Kul-Cha duo returns
The decision to relegate Rinku Singh to the reserves is perhaps one of the most unexpected developments from the announcement. Rinku has showcased exceptional talent for India across his 15 T20Is, collecting 356 runs with a strike rate of 176.23 and an average of 89.00. His versatility was evident in his recent T20I performance against Afghanistan, where he played a significant role in rebuilding the Indian innings alongside captain Rohit in an unbeaten 190-run partnership. Despite facing just 82 balls in the IPL this season, Rinku has managed to score 123 runs at a strike rate of 150, showcasing his ability beyond being a lower-order hitter.
However, the inclusion of Shivam Dube cannot be disputed. The all-rounder, who primarily bats for Chennai Super Kings, has been in outstanding form this season, smashing 350 runs in nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 172.41 and an average of 58.33.
In the meantime, Yuzvendra Chahal makes his comeback to the squad, signaling the return of the Kul-Cha partnership if he secures a spot in the playing eleven alongside Kuldeep Yadav. Chahal appeared to have been sidelined from T20s since August 2023, as he was omitted from the Indian squad for their series against Afghanistan earlier this year.
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