The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) have unveiled India’s eagerly anticipated 15-member preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup, commencing on June 2 in the USA and the Caribbean, on Tuesday. Rohit Sharma will lead the squad, accompanied by four traveling reserves, following a meeting between board secretary Jay Shah and the senior selection panel headed by former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar.

While some expected exclusions were observed, the selectors refrained from making any unexpected choices. Before delving into the strengths and weaknesses of the 2024 World Cup squad, let’s take a brief look at its composition. Experienced campaigners Rohit Sharma and, notably, Virat Kohli secured spots in the 15, alongside young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The middle order saw no unexpected inclusions, with Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and the returning Rishabh Pant making the cut, while Sanju Samson was named as the backup wicketkeeper. However, the omission of proven finisher Rinku Singh from the squad has sparked surprise. India also opted to include Shivam Dube to bolster the batting line-up.

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Why was Rinku Singh excluded from the 15-member squad?

Since Rinku burst onto the IPL scene last year, the southpaw has been a vital part of India’s limited-overs squads. Whether it’s his knack for absorbing pressure and counter-attacking when the team is in trouble early on, or excelling as a finisher, Rinku has showcased versatility. His batting prowess against both pacers and spinners, coupled with his ability to score quickly, sets him apart. Despite his credentials, India’s preference for additional all-rounders led to a three-way contest between Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar for the final spot. Ultimately, Axar’s form and all-round abilities earned him the nod.

The identity of the finisher for the World Cup is still uncertain, considering the recent struggles of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Either Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant, one of the wicketkeepers, may have to take on the role. One lingering query is whether it was essential to include Axar, who provides similar skills to Ravindra Jadeja, especially since the likelihood of both playing in the XI is minimal.