There was much uncertainty over Hardik Pandya’s selection for the T20 World Cup 2024, but the Indian cricket team selectors demonstrated their faith in the all-rounder by appointing him vice-captain. They also chose four spinners – Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja – which excluded Rinku Singh. Sunil Subramanian, former India manager and Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner, told the Times of India that India might have chosen one fewer spin-bowling all-rounders and instead fielded Rinku. He went on to say that fielding fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed instead of Hardik Pandya would have given the team greater balance in the World Cup.
India may have chosen one too many spin-bowling allrounders. Axar should have been replaced by Rinku Singh, and vice-captain Hardik by Khaleel Ahmed. There is no way both wrist spinners will play, particularly in Nassau County, New York. It is a Mickey Mouse ground, with a straight perimeter of only 55 meters. Additionally, it is a drop-in pitch. “Against Pakistan, they may play with only one spinner, Jadeja, because they want to pack the side with pacers who can execute yorkers,” he said.
There has been a lot of buzz about Kuldeep and Chahal playing together, but Subramanian believes it is unlikely that they will be selected together in the side.
Only if it’s a must-win situation. If Hardik is unable to bowl four overs and one of the pacers is hit, this could happen. However, this applies just to the West Indies leg of the event. The only other option is to replace Jaiswal with Kohli and Rohit as the opening pair. They won’t do it. “They will be cautious,” he continued.
