The recently announced Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked discussions, particularly around the selection of Hardik Pandya despite his recent form slump. While BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar attributed Hardik’s inclusion to a lack of alternatives, reports later surfaced suggesting that the selection committee might have been under pressure to pick the Mumbai Indians all-rounder. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has now addressed the issue, emphasizing the need to consider overseas experience alongside IPL form when selecting players for prestigious tournaments like the T20 World Cup.
Speaking to the Times of India, Shah emphasized the importance of striking a balance between form and experience in squad selection. He stated that selectors cannot solely rely on IPL performances and must also factor in the players’ overseas experience.
The selection process for the T20 World Cup squad came under scrutiny after a report in Dainik Jagran hinted at reluctance from both captain Rohit Sharma and the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, to include Hardik Pandya. The report suggested that Pandya’s selection might have been influenced by external pressures during the selection meeting in Ahmedabad.
At present, the Indian team lacks a pace bowling all-rounder with a skillset similar to Hardik’s, making his inclusion crucial despite his recent struggles. While alternatives like Shivam Dube exist, their bowling capabilities do not match up to Hardik’s, adding complexity to the squad selection process.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma’s decisions regarding the playing XI, especially considering the debate surrounding Hardik Pandya’s selection.
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