Team India will be keen to win the World T20 that’s scheduled this year. It has been a while since the men in blue have won a major ICC tournament. Time is ticking for Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli, and hence, there will be massive attention given to the upcoming World T20. In this article, we take a look at five players who could be surprise inclusions in India’s World T20 squad.
The form is a major factor for a player in a T20 game. In a format where things happen very quickly, it is necessary that a player is in the right headspace. Hence, on many occasions, we have seen players who were less likely to play a World Cup a few months before the tournament actually making it to the squad for the competition. We analyse such a scenario with regards to Team India for the upcoming World T20.
1) Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj is in the form of his life at the moment. Ever since the Australia Tour, Siraj has looked confident and is pulling off things on the field, that was not expected out of him. In the first half of IPL 2021, Siraj led the pace attack for RCB. He was in brilliant form and did well at both ends of the innings. Unlike the previous years, he seemed to have control over his game. With players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami all leaking runs in T20Is recently, it would not be a surprise if Siraj becomes a surprise inclusion in the squad.
2) R Ashwin
There have been calls for R Ashwin’s inclusion in India’s World T20 squad. At the moment, it looks unlikely. However, the second half of IPL 2021 would be the final deciding factor. Washington Sundar, K Gowtham and Varun CV are the other contenders in this area of the spin attack. Ashwin is more experienced than all of them. Hence, if he does exceedingly well in IPL 2021, there could be a chance for him to make a return.
3) Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw is yet to make his T20I debut for India. Yet, he can be one of the surprising inclusions in India’s World T20 squad. The Mumbai player’s scintillating form is the reason for the debate. He is fearless and is also technically proficient. This is a combination that’s usually productive. If India decides to use KL Rahul in the middle-order, there could be an opening for a backup to Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. At the moment, Shaw looks to be the best option for the role.
4) Prasidh Krishna
It is a far off thought but based on recent decisions made by the selectors, it seems that there is immense confidence in Prasidh Krishna’s ability. The management is backing the player in all three formats of the game. Although he did not impress in the first half of IPL 2021, if Prasidh does decently well in the second half, he could have an outside chance. This is, of course, if the other contenders are not in good form.
5) Krunal Pandya
With Ravindra Jadeja a sure selection and Axar Patel below him in the pecking order, Krunal Pandya’s chances seem minimal. That said, Krunal has shown good bowling form on the tour to Sri Lanka. He is also someone whom the team can rely on upon with the bat if some early wickets fall. With the World T20 happening on the slow tracks of UAE, it would not be a surprise if a debate happens amongst the selectors about Krunal’s case.
