The Indian cricket fraternity buzzes with anticipation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently disclosed the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Led by the seasoned campaigner Rohit Sharma, the squad boasts experience and youthful exuberance, aiming to clinch glory on the global stage.

The selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar ignored some deserving players from the squad. Instead of these deserving players, BCCI selected the quota of players. Let’s look at the 5 players who deserved a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. 

See Also: Ajit Agarkar explains reasons behind exclusion of Rinku Singh and KL Rahul from T20 WC squad

1.Rinku Singh: The ‘Finisher’ and His Reserve Position

Amidst the roster reveals, the absence of Rinku Singh from the primary squad raised eyebrows. Known for his adept finishing skills, Singh earned acclaim in international cricket yet found himself among the reserve players. Singh’s stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL underscored his potential, but a lacklustre season hindered his selection. Rinku scored 356 runs in 15 T20 International matches, including 2 half-centuries. During this period his strike rate has been 176.23.

Surely, he deserved a place in a 15-member squad because Team India needs a finisher in the lower order, and in recent times, no one has been a better finisher than Rinku Singh. Speaking on his exclusion, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated it is really unfortunate, it is not his fault that he missed out. It’s about combinations.

2.Shubman Gill: From IPL Stardom to Reserve Opener

Shubman Gill’s journey from IPL prominence to the reserve bench showcases the fickleness of cricketing fortunes. Despite an illustrious IPL 2023 campaign and captaincy at Gujarat Titans, Gill’s tepid performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 led to his reserve player status. 

Gill scored 890 runs in IPL 2023 with the help of 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries. After this, he became the Gujarat Titans captain in IPL 2024. His prowess as an opener remains, but consistency eluded him this season. This season of IPL, Gill has scored 320 runs in 10 matches.

Gill’s performance could have been better this season, but his attitude as a player and skipper increased under the mentorship of Ashish Nehra in IPL. The way he treated his boys on the field is just fascinating for every Indian cricket fan because everyone sees the next Indian skipper in him, and his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad is nothing but a ridiculous decision from selectors.

3.Ravi Bishnoi: Struggles and Competition in the Spin Department

Ravi Bishnoi’s narrative embodies the competitive nature of cricketing selection. Initially touted as a prospect, Bishnoi’s recent form faltered, facing stiff competition from counterparts like Yuzvendra Chahal. With limited opportunities and subpar performances, Bishnoi’s inclusion in the squad became uncertain.

On the back of consistent performance in the IPL, he was fast-tracked to the national setup as well, and since his debut in 2022, he has featured in 24 T20Is and 1 ODI. For a wicket-taker bowler, he has only had five wickets at an average of 41.80 in eight matches and has leaked runs at 8.47. 

As per BCCI rule, they want new boys should play more matches, so why have they haven’t picked Ravi Bishnoi in the squad? He has that ability, which you want in any player to perform at the international level. Although his ranking in ICC Men’s T20I bowler is 6, now what do you want from a player?

4.KL Rahul: A Batsman in Tough Competition

KL Rahul’s predicament epitomizes the selection dilemma posed by an abundance of talent. Despite commendable performances for Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul grapples with the presence of formidable openers ahead of him in the pecking order. The fierce competition, coupled with stylistic similarities, complicates Rahul’s path to selection.

Based on runs scored, Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul makes a solid case to be selected in India’s T20 World Cup squad with 406 runs in ten matches, striking at 142.95 and 5th place in the Orange Cap list. 

He will be the best option if it comes down to choosing the backup openers. He has a lot of experience and can also be picked from a backup wicketkeeper’s perspective. 

Talking about his selection, Ajit explained, “KL’s a terrific player, we all know that. We were looking for guys who bat at the middle and KL bats at the top. Sanju can come down the order. Rishabh is batting at 5; that was more the thinking. Two incredible players as well”.

If we take a deep dive into this statement, we might see the hypocrisy of BCCI. Just one year before, when Team India didn’t have any player to bat at no.4, KL was there; India wanted an opener, then KL was there. Even KL bats from opening to no.6 position; what else do you want? KL opens in IPL, but BCCI clarified that they are not looking at IPL performances to select players. Then why they haven’t picked KL Rahul in the squad is a mystery.

5. T Natarajan: Deserving Selection and IPL Performance

In contrast, the inclusion of T Natarajan resonates with merit and performance. The Sunrisers Hyderabad’s left-arm pacer showcased remarkable prowess in the IPL 2024, securing 15 wickets in eight matches. Natarajan’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and an impressive economy rate solidified his berth in the squad.

Currently, he is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024. Possessing an uncanny knack for delivering precise yorkers and maintaining stringent lines, Natarajan has emerged as an effective bowler in the death overs. 

Before the squad announcement former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar already stated that SRH left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan deserved a spot in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

“I was thinking more like T Natarajan, the left-arm pacer bowler. He has been bowling extremely well. So, I thought maybe he could have been in the team. But that’s okay. I think the seam bowlers that they have got, they all have experience. So no problem with that,” Sunil Gavaskar said while speaking to India Today.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a stage where cricketing talents are tested, scrutinized, and celebrated. Shubman Gill stands out as a promising young opener among the many players who grace this tournament. However, his recent performances in IPL 2024 have raised eyebrows, and it’s time to dissect his struggles.

The Powerplay Enigma

The powerplay overs are crucial in T20 cricket. Openers are expected to capitalize on field restrictions, set the tone, and provide a solid foundation for their team. Unfortunately, Shubman Gill has faltered in this critical phase. His strike rate of 127.34 during the powerplay is well below par, especially compared to his peers, who maintain a minimum of 140. 11 openers have played 100 or more deliveries in the powerplay in IPL 2024. All have maintained a strike rate of 140+ except one.

See Also: Ruturaj and Mitchell’s fifties guide CSK to 200-plus against SRH

Inconsistency in IPL 2024

Let’s delve into Gill’s last five innings:

1. 16 (19) vs RCB: A sluggish start against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) where he failed to accelerate.
2. 6 (5) vs DC: Another underwhelming performance against Delhi Capitals (DC).
3. 35 (29) vs PBKS: A decent knock, but not impactful enough.
4. 8 (6) vs DC: A pattern emerges—struggling to find boundaries.
5. 72 (44) vs RR: Finally, a substantial inning came after a string of disappointments.

The Missing Spark

Gill’s approach lacks aggression during the powerplay. He seems content with rotating the strike rather than seizing the initiative. His inability to find the fence consistently is concerning in a format where boundaries matter. He may need to re-calibrate his mindset and take calculated risks early on.

The Weight of Captaincy

Appointed as Gujarat Titans’ captain, Gill carries additional responsibility. Leadership can either elevate a player’s performance or burden them further. Unfortunately, in Gill’s case, it is the latter. His captaincy record stands at 4 wins and 6 losses, and his personal form has suffered.

Comparisons and Expectations

Remember, Gill was the orange cap winner in IPL 2023, amassing a staggering 890 runs at a strike rate 157.80. Fans expected him to build on that success, but he needs to catch up. The pressure to replicate past glories might be affecting his game.

Gill’s place not confirmed in T2O WC

Amidst the increasing game deformed and huge competition, Shubman Gill is competing with big names like captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jaiswal for the opening slot. Anyway, the deadline for announcing the initial squad for the T20 World Cup is May 1, with only a few days left. On April 28, BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and Indian captain Rohit Sharma met in Delhi. If sources are to be believed, the Indian team will be announced any time soon.

In the ongoing match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Captain Shubman Gill showcases his prowess by scoring an unbeaten 89* runs, marking the highest individual score of the IPL 2024 season. Rahul Tewatia’s explosive cameo in the final overs propelled GT to a formidable total of 199/4, leaving PBKS bowlers helpless in the face of his onslaught.

IPL Live Score 2024: GT vs PBKS

In a high-octane clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Shubman Gill delivered a masterclass in batting, leaving the audience spellbound with his effortless stroke play and impeccable timing.

See Also: Record-breaking viewership in first 10 matches of IPL 2024

Gill’s innings was a testament to his exceptional talent and skill. Despite facing a formidable PBKS bowling attack, Gill dominated the proceedings with his elegant shot-making and astute decision-making.

The match witnessed several twists and turns, with both teams enjoying moments of ascendancy. However, it was Gill’s consistent performance that tilted the scales in favor of Gujarat Titans (GT) throughout the game. GT’s innings got off to a promising start as Gill and Wriddhiman Saha laid a solid foundation, accumulating 29 runs in just 2.5 overs.

Kane Williamson’s arrival at the crease bolstered GT’s batting lineup, as he combined forces with Gill to form a formidable partnership of 40 runs. Sai Sudharsan showcased his aggressive intent from the outset, providing crucial support to Gill and contributing to a vital 53-run partnership.

Gill’s innings was a sheer delight to watch, as he reached his well-deserved half-century with a shot that exuded class and elegance.

Shubman Gill’s Dominance

Gill’s performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium has been nothing short of spectacular. In 15 innings, he has amassed an impressive total of 825 runs at an astonishing average of 68.75 and a striking strike rate of 159.26. His consistency and dominance with the bat have been instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ success in the tournament.

Shubman Gill at Narendra Modi stadium in IPL:

The Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed a breathtaking display of cricketing brilliance as Shubman Gill showcased his impeccable batting skills against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Let’s dive into the details of Gill’s outstanding performance and the thrilling match at hand.

9(8), 43(38), 45(43), 63(36), 39(31), 39(31), 45(34), 56(34), 6(7), 94(51), 101(58), 129(60), 39(20), 31(22), 36(28), 89*(48).

15 innings, 825 runs, 68.75 average, 159.26 Strike Rate

Highest individual scores in IPL 2024
89*S Gill vs PK Ahmedabad
85 S Narine vs DC Vizag
84*R Parag vs DC Jaipur
83*V Kohli vs KKR Bengaluru
82*S Samson vs LSG Jaipur