T20 World Cup selection day: Agarkar-led panel faces tough call as India’s 15-man squad set to be named

With fierce competition for limited spots, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee meets in Mumbai today to announce India’s T20 World Cup squad, where even a single wrong call could invite scrutiny.

It is a decisive day for Team India as the spotlight firmly rests on Mumbai, where the national selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is set to announce the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. For players on the fringe, today is truly “D-Day,” with careers and World Cup dreams hanging in the balance.

The selectors face a demanding task. Picking the best possible 15-member squad is no easy job, especially in the shortest format where balance, match-ups, and form matter greatly. A minor selection error could draw sharp criticism, making today’s meeting a high-pressure exercise for the panel.

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According to NewsFirst Sports Bureau’s assessment, the opening combination appears largely settled. India are expected to stick with a left-right pairing at the top, with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill likely to open the innings, providing both aggression and stability.

In the top and middle order, left-hander Tilak Varma is expected to shoulder responsibility alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav, who will anchor the batting unit with his experience and explosive stroke play.

The wicketkeeper’s slot has also drawn attention. Sanju Samson is tipped to be the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, while Jitesh Sharma is likely to be included as the backup option.

In the all-rounders’ department, selectors may back experience and power. Hardik Pandya’s presence as a fast-bowling all-rounder looks almost certain, and he could be joined by big-hitting Shivam Dube, giving India added depth in batting.

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Among spin all-rounders, left-arm spinner Axar Patel and off-spinner Washington Sundar are expected to secure their places, offering flexibility with both bat and ball.

For specialist spin roles, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and chinaman Kuldeep Yadav are almost guaranteed selections, strengthening India’s spin attack.

The fast-bowling unit is likely to be led by yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah, supported by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and emerging quick Harshit Rana.

Additionally, the names of Yashasvi Jaiswal and young Vaibhav Suryavanshi are expected to come up for discussion during the selection process.

Overall, the squad that featured in the recent T20 series against South Africa is likely to form the core for the New Zealand series and the T20 World Cup, with only one or two changes expected.

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