Kickoff of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy Tour
Two-time T20 World Cup champion Chris Gayle and USA cricketing star Ali Khan began the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy Tour last week in New York. They illuminated the Empire State Building in the event’s unique blue and pink colors.
Tour Highlights in New York City
The Trophy made its way to various landmarks and famous spots in New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and The Edge. It also made appearances at a New York Islanders NHL game and Penn Station, allowing fans to take pictures with it.
Visit to Long Island and Nassau County
The Trophy journeyed to Long Island and Nassau County, where it received a warm welcome from a procession of Emergency Service vehicles at the under-construction Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. This venue will host nine T20 World Cup matches in June.
Welcome at the Houston Space Station
Next, the Trophy headed to Texas and was received at the Space Station in Houston by Team USA, who were there for a training camp. It then moved on to Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, where the opening match between USA and Canada will take place in June. Later, the Texas Rangers, 2023 World Series Champions, greeted the Trophy at their home stadium in Arlington.
Wrap-up at the Holi Festival in Frisco
To conclude the week in Texas, 3,000 people attended the Holi Festival in Frisco, where fans had the chance to take photos with the esteemed trophy.
Selecting Seasoned Players for T20 World Cup
The national selection committee aims to prioritize seasoned players over IPL newcomers for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas.
However, some experienced players may be left out as the squad is set to be finalized by the end of this month, in line with the ICC’s May 1 deadline for the provisional 15-member roster.
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BCCI PLANS FOR THE UPCOMING T20 WORLD CUP:
Ajit Agarkar and his fellow selectors must make decisive choices if the entire team remains fit. “There won’t be any experimentation or unconventional selections. All those who have represented India and performed consistently in T20 Internationals and the IPL will be recognized,” a BCCI source revealed to PTI under anonymity conditions.
It is expected that either Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal might be omitted from the final 15. However, if both established performers are chosen, then only one of the two finishers, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Rinku Singh or Chennai Super Kings’ Shivam Dube, will secure a spot.
Another tough decision lies in selecting the second wicketkeeper, with Sanju Samson facing competition from Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan.
Rahul and Kishan usually bat at the top of the order, and their limited experience in the middle order during this IPL season complicates the selectors’ evaluation of their potential impact in that position.
Although concerns linger about Hardik Pandya’s bowling fitness, there is no doubt about his selection. Similarly, Virat Kohli’s inclusion is almost assured.
Other automatic selections include skipper Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav. These 10 players, if fit, will certainly be part of the squad heading across the Atlantic.
Siraj is being rested by RCB due to his consistent appearances and the need for workload management.
In the dilemma between Gill and Jaiswal, the former has scored more runs. However, Jaiswal’s potential for Indian cricket might sway the selection committee, despite his recent low IPL scores.
Moreover, being the only left-hander in the top four adds a unique dimension to the largely one-dimensional top order. However, if Gill performs well, it will be a tough decision unless the selectors choose both and drop one among Shivam and Rinku from the 15.
The reserve spinner’s spot could also witness a three-way battle between Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravi Bishnoi.
While Chahal excels in bowling skills, his repeated exclusions from crucial squads raise doubts about his inclusion in the showpiece event in June.
The ‘Impact Player’ rule, akin to a glorified ’12-a-side’ cricket contest, has boosted IPL viewership but posed challenges for Indian cricket. It has diluted the concept of all-rounders, giving even a half-fit Hardik Pandya significant value due to his bowling ability.
A new crop of T20 players
Emerging talents like Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have impressed. However, the selection committee seems inclined to introduce them gradually through bilateral cricket rather than thrusting them into high-stakes World T20 matches.
Two upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka could mark their India debuts. Nitish Reddy, a seam bowling all-rounder who toured Sri Lanka with the India Emerging side last year, could follow a similar path.
It remains to be seen if the BCCI will arrange for players like Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, or Akash Madhwal to serve as net bowlers, providing them with valuable exposure.
Probable Squad Contention
Specialist Batters (6): Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh
All-Rounders (4): Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel
Specialist Spinners (3): Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi
Wicketkeeper-batters (3): Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson
Pacers (4): Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan
Kohli’s Return and New Role in Indian Cricket
Recent Changes in Selection: There have been discussions about whether Virat Kohli, a prominent player in the Indian cricket team, would continue to be part of the squad. However, things have shifted lately, with Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and the selectors expressing their desire to keep Kohli in the team. They are even considering him for an opening position, a crucial role in cricket.
Kohli’s Comeback in T20 Cricket: Kohli hadn’t played T20 cricket for almost two years, but he decided to return for the Afghanistan home series. Despite his usual preference to bat at number 3, he’s open to adapting to new roles, especially with the upcoming T20 World Cup in mind.
Seeking Clarity: Kohli has reportedly asked the selection committee for clarity regarding his spot in the T20 World Cup squad. He wants to understand his role clearly, considering the opening position might be on the table.
Success in IPL: In recent seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli has been opening the batting for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team. In the current IPL season of 2024, he’s leading the Orange Cap holder list, which means he’s the tournament’s leading run-scorer, with an impressive 361 runs in seven matches. He’s also scored a century, showing his exceptional form.