With India playing just five games before the 2024 T20 World Cup, those bidding for a place in that team will need impressive displays in the IPL to boost their chances
NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket team faces a weather-induced challenge as they gear up for the second T20 International against South Africa on Tuesday after the washout in the series-opener.
The rain-marred match prevented Indian youngsters from showcasing their skills, leaving the team management eager for clear skies in the remaining matches.
Durban witnessed not only a washed-out match but also the toss couldn't take place on Sunday, with rain forecasts lingering for the upcoming encounters.
Limited window for Indian youngsters
With only five games remaining before the T20 World Cup in June, the management has a limited window to assess players and finalise the squad.
The selectors named a 17-man squad for the series, making it improbable for everyone to get an opportunity in the remaining games.
IPL now crucial for the contenders
Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh seem likely to secure spots in the batting order for the T20 World Cup, but others face the challenge of proving themselves, especially in the IPL, where form will weigh heavily for World Cup selection.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite putting runs on the board, need standout performances in the IPL to bolster their chances, especially if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma make themselves available for the World Cup.
Questions on less T20I matches
With only the series against Afghanistan at home next month before the World Cup, selectors may heavily rely on IPL performances for finalising the squad, prompting questions about the scheduling of T20 commitments.
Slots still available in bowling attack
In the bowling department, aside from Arshdeep Singh and the absent Jasprit Bumrah, multiple spots remain open for contention. Deepak Chahar, who was slated for a comeback, is unavailable due to a personal emergency.
Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi aim to carry their good form into the series, while Ravindra Jadeja, returning after a post-World Cup break, has joined the squad.
Similar problem for South Africa
South Africa face a similar situation with only five games left to identify their core team for the T20 World Cup.
The pace duo of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, initially picked for the first two games, will have limited opportunities to prove themselves after the series-opener was washed out.
Teams:
India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Deepak Chahar.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee (1st and 2ndT20Is), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen (1st and 2nd T20Is), Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams.
(With inputs from PTI)
