The Indian cricket team is set to embark on its journey to the United States for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup on May 21, immediately after the conclusion of the league stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to reports, players not involved in the IPL playoffs will depart in the first batch, along with the entire support staff led by coach Rahul Dravid. The second batch, including players from teams qualifying for the IPL playoffs, will depart after the IPL final on May 26.
Upon arrival in New York, the Indian team is scheduled to play three league matches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The matches are scheduled for June 5 (against Ireland), June 9 (against Pakistan), and June 12 (against hosts USA). To prepare for the tournament, the team will undergo a camp in New York, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) arranging practice facilities at the stadium.
In a related development, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that its players participating in the IPL must return home before May 22. This decision impacts many English players, potentially affecting their availability for the IPL playoffs. England is set to play a four-match series against Pakistan, starting on May 22.
Criticism has been directed towards the ECB’s decision, especially from IPL franchises, regarding the recall of players before the crucial stages of the tournament. A franchise official expressed frustration, highlighting that players could have participated in two IPL matches post the final before joining the England squad for the series against Pakistan.
Responding to criticism, an ECB spokesperson emphasized the importance of the Pakistan series as preparation for the T20 World Cup, stating that discussions on player availability have been ongoing with both players and franchises.
Just over a month ago, doubts loomed over Rishabh Pant’s participation in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Now, with just a few days before the Indian team’s selection for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, Pant appears to be a serious contender for a leadership role in the side.
The national selectors, set to convene on May 1, are expected to discuss re-appointing Pant as vice-captain of India, a position he held before a long injury hiatus following a near-fatal accident in December 2022.
Pant even captained India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa in June 2022. He is slated to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup in June.
However, Pant’s elevation won’t be a straightforward decision, especially with Hardik Pandya being another potential contender. Pandya’s failure to lead the Mumbai Indians effectively in the IPL, coupled with some questionable decisions as captain and public criticism of a teammate after a recent defeat, may weigh against him.
Yet, Pandya’s credentials as a leader cannot be ignored. He was designated vice-captain for the World Cup last year. His bowling ability at a reasonable pace may work in his favor, but whether he is entrusted with the leadership role remains debatable.
Moving on to other selection matters, the top order is expected to feature skipper Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order is likely to comprise Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja. One or both of Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh may be included, along with either Sanju Samson or KL Rahul.
In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be the specialist spinner, with Axar Patel likely edging out Ravi Bishnoi for the other spinner’s position. Yuzvendra Chahal, despite being the highest wicket-taker in the IPL, is unlikely to be considered.
Among the pacers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh are certain inclusions. There is a notion that the IPL hasn’t produced quality Indian pacers, potentially bringing Sandeep Sharma into the reckoning.
Sandeep, known for his slow-medium pace with the Rajasthan Royals, could be effective on the slow pitches anticipated in the US and West Indies. It will be up to skipper Rohit Sharma to decide whether to include a fourth specialist pacer, especially with Pandya in the squad, and whether to consider Shubman Gill.