The current Indian Premier League season has become the key for India’s squad selection. And BCCI is facing multiple problems in selecting players in almost all positions. Because they have multiple options. It is the responsibility to understand who to leave and who to take.
After last year’s ODI World Cup, Hardik Pandya will take part in competitive cricket for the first time in IPL 2024. However, in the six matches played by Mumbai Indians, the performance of the star all-rounder was not at all extraordinary. After that, a PTI report revealed that his place for the T20 World Cup is not at all in danger. Instead, the two in-form batsmen may compete for a place in the 15-man squad. They are Shivam Dubey and Rinku Singh.
According to the report, there is strong competition for the top-order. And that could be a loss for Dube and Rinku and the selectors might be left with no choice but to pick either of them. Also, reports suggest that either Shubman Gill or Yasswi Jaiswal may be left out of the final 15-man squad. But if both players are to be included, either Rinku of Kolkata Knight Riders or Dube of Chennai Super Kings will be chosen.
Both Shivam Dubey and Rinku Singh have been in great form with the bat over the past few months. Rinku, in particular, has been in great form since the previous IPL season. He scored 474 runs in 14 matches for KKR in 2023 IPL. After that, the doors of the national team opened for him. Rinku scored 356 runs at an excellent strike rate of 176.23 in 15 T20Is for the country. Moreover, he remained unbeaten in seven of his 11 innings in the shortest format, an incredible average as well. He averaged 89 runs.
Dubey, has been in good form with the bat this year. He has scored 242 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 163.51. Shivam played the role of finisher very well for Chennai. But the 30-year-old star is not getting a chance to bowl. Because CSK is playing him as a batting impact player. Meanwhile, Team India needs a good all-rounder in the T20 World Cup. Because Hardik Pandya is not at all comfortable in the Mumbai Indians jersey.
