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The selection dilemma regarding the Indian men's T20I team continues with the possibility of veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli making themselves available for the shortest format. Stressing these issues, a former Indian selector has raised questions regarding the possible Indian squad for the T20 World Cup later in the year.
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While speaking to PTI, a former national selector on the condition of anonymity, questioned India's batting lineup if the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are available for selection. He also challenged whether Ajit Agarkar can bold calls to add a left-hander and drop one of these stars.
The former selector, as quoted by PTI, said, “If you have Rohit, Shubman Gill, Virat, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik constituting your top five then where is your left-hander? Now, let’s assume you drop Kohli and play Gill at No.3 with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening with Rohit. Can Ajit take that bold call.”
Ex-BCCI official further spoke about how external factors could come into play in the selection of the squad. The former selector also questioned whether the BCCI led by Secretary Jay Shah could give Agarkar and Co. complete freedom to build a squad of their choosing.
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“The flexibility will always be an issue but there would always be external factors that need to be countered. Did you see ICC promoting the tourney with Kohli’s giant billboard video in New York. MI handle put that aerial advert of Rohit and Shaheen Shah Afridi. So there will be external pressure.”
“It will be on Jay how much he can empower Agarkar’s committee. As of now, you need to accommodate both or drop both. The sensible thing would be to include both for Afghanistan and not make any promise for World T20 till the IPL performance is monitored.”
