India’s Rinku Singh celebrates his half century during the third T20 cricket match between India and Afghanistan, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru. (PTI)
As the selectors announced the 15-member squad and three travelling reserves, a few decisions came in as a surprise. Leg-spinner Yuzvedra Chahal, who seemed to have fallen out of favour, made a return. He is now part of a four-prone spin attack, which raises eyebrows as it meant Rinku Singh was pushed to the reserves. Here is a look at what led to these decisions…
Why did Rinku miss out?
Ever since Rinku announced his arrival in the IPL last year, the left-hander has been an integral member of India’s white-ball squads. Be it his ability to absorb pressure and launch a counter-attack in case of the team losing early wickets or acing the role of finisher, Rinku has done it all. He has a wide range and a game that is equally good against pacers and spinners, and can tee off immediately unlike a few who like to take a few balls before opening up. All of it should have won him a spot, but with India tilting towards having more all-rounders, it is understood that for the final spot there was three-way competition between Rinku Singh, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. In the end they went in with Axar because of his all-round capabilities and form.
It remains to be seen who will don the finisher’s role at the World Cup as Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja have all struggled in recent times. One of the wicketkeepers, Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant will have to do it. There is one unanswered question: When Ravindra Jadeja is already part of the team, was it necessary to have Axar, who offers the same, as the chances of playing both in the XI is highly unlikely.
Why four spinners?
It was a googly that not many expected. Going for Chahal ahead of Ravi Bishnoi – who was ranked No 1 ranked T20 bowler five months ago and is currently in 6th spot – came with a bit of surprise. But it is a decision they have taken with form in mind, with Chahal among the leading wicket-takers in the IPL. At the last T20 World Cup, where all the teams played a leg-spinner, Chahal warmed the bench every single match. What is in store for him in the US and Caribbean is hard to predict as Kuldeep Yadav is higher in pecking order. And given how badly they need batting depth, one among Jadeja and Axar will make the XI. There is also a possibility of both making it as well if India believe having depth in batting is the way to go. That would mean, instead of being offensive with the ball, they will go defensive with both Jadeja and Axar fitting in the model. At the IPL, it has become a batsmen vs batsmen contest, and India seem to anticipate the same at the World Cup too.
Was there a surprise pick?
According to reliable sources, there was discussion on including Washington Sundar in the 15 as there are no off-spinners. However, it is understood that the house was divided on his inclusion because he has just played two IPL matches this season. And moreover, questions were also raised as to why he hasn’t been groomed for the role, particularly because he can also bowl in the powerplay overs. Instead, the unanimous pick happened to be Axar.
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