Strong IPL performances earn Samson, Chahal spots in provisional T20 World Cup squad
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15-man provisional squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup on Tuesday, with Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal earning call-ups based on their impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Samson, who has been in fine form both as a batter and captain for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, was included as the second wicketkeeper-batter behind Rishabh Pant, pipping the likes of KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.
Leg-spinner Chahal, who last played for India in August 2023, is the second wrist spinner in the team alongside Kuldeep Yadav.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya was retained as vice-captain despite his recent struggles after taking over the Mumbai Indians leadership in the ongoing IPL. Hard-hitting batter Shivam Dube also made the cut following a strong IPL showing for the Chennai Super Kings.
However, Shubman Gill, who is enjoying a good run in the IPL as Gujarat Titans captain, found himself among the standbys along with Kolkata Knight Riders’ big-hitter Rinku Singh.
The selectors decided to show faith in Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had a slow start in the IPL but regained his touch with a swashbuckling hundred recently for the Rajasthan Royals.
The redoubtable Virat Kohli completed the Indian top order after pulling off strong batting performances in the IPL.
The T20 World Cup begins on June 2 in the USA and the Caribbean. India will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York.
Indian Squad for T20 World Cup:
1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
2. Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain)
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal
4. Virat Kohli
5. Suryakumar Yadav
6. Rishabh Pant (WK)
7. Sanju Samson (WK)
8. Shivam Dube
9. Ravindra Jadeja
10. Axar Patel
11. Kuldeep Yadav
12. Yuzvendra Chahal
13. Arshdeep Singh
14. Jasprit Bumrah
15. Mohd Siraj
Reserves:
1. Shubman Gill
2. Rinku Singh
3. Khaleel Ahmed
4. Avesh Khan
