The Indian cricket team’s T20I squad for the highly-anticipated five-match series against West Indies has been officially announced by the Senior Men’s Selection Committee.
The selection committee, in its quest to explore young talent, decided to exclude senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the T20I squad, although they are part of the ODI and Test teams.
Exciting young batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma have received their maiden national T20I call-ups, earning well-deserved spots in India’s squad for the West Indies Tour. The dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the captain for the five-match series, with the talented Suryakumar Yadav serving as his deputy.
However, despite their impressive performances in the Indian Premier League, Rinku Singh and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been overlooked by the selectors. On a positive note, Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi have made successful comebacks to the team, showcasing their exceptional skills.
Additionally, the leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been given another opportunity to represent India in T20Is. Furthermore, the return of Sanju Samson to the T20 squad after recovering from an injury is highly anticipated, particularly considering his potential inclusion in the World Cup 2023 team.
Beginning of a New Era Under BCCI’s New Chief Selector
This squad announcement marks the first selection under the leadership of the newly-appointed BCCI chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, who assumed the prestigious role just a day prior.
As the upcoming five-match T20 series serves as the initiation of a fresh cricketing cycle that will extend until the T20 World Cup in 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted to exercise patience in the selection process.
The T20 matches are scheduled to commence on August 3, and the final squad is expected to be announced next week. Ajit Agarkar, who is currently on vacation, will take charge as the chairman of selectors upon his return.
India’s T20I squad
Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Surya Kumar Yadav (VC), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (C), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.
IND vs WI T20I Series: Complete Schedule
IND vs WI 1st T20I: Aug 3, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad – 8:00 PM IST
IND vs WI 2nd T20I: Aug 6, Providence Stadium, Guyana – 8:00 PM IST
IND vs WI 3rd T20I: Aug 8, Providence Stadium, Guyana – 8:00 PM IST
IND vs WI 4th T20I: Aug 12, Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida – 8:00 PM IST
IND vs WI 5th T20I: Aug 13, Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida – 8:00 PM
