NEW DELHI: Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has stirred the pot with his preferred India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, notably excluding Sanju Samson from his lineup despite Rajasthan Royals captain's recent heroics in the IPL 2024.
Doull's selection conundrum mirrors the dilemma facing Ajit Agarkar-led selectors, particularly regarding the two wicket-keeping positions for the World Cup squad. While Rishabh Pant remains the frontrunner, the backup role has sparked a debate, with contenders including Samson, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik.
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Speaking to Cricbuzz, Doull unveiled his preferred combination, slotting Pant as the first-choice keeper and Rahul as the backup. However, the intriguing twist came with Doull's decision to assign Pant the No. 3 batting position, a move aimed at accommodating other players in the lineup.
"I have flipped and flopped a lot about this, but I want Rishabh Pant at No. 3 because I can't see fitting the other players in without my keeper batting at No. 3. Also, I wanted a left-hander followed by two righties," Doull explained, shedding light on his strategic approach.
Despite Pant's T20I struggles, Doull expressed confidence in the Delhi Capitals captain's evolution and emphasized his improved fitness during the IPL 2024 season.
Meanwhile, Doull's preference for Shivam Dube over Hardik Pandya, based on Dube's impressive batting displays for Chennai Super Kings further complicated the selection dynamics.
In Doull's starting XI for India, Virat Kohli features as the opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup. The squad includes Ravindra Jadeja as the lone all-rounder, with expectations for Dube to contribute with his bowling skills.
Additionally, Doull opted for Arshdeep Singh as the third seamer, with Avesh Khan serving as the backup option in the pace department.
Simon Doull's Team India squad for T20 World Cup
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
On the bench: KL Rahul, Avesh Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Axar Patel
