Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the national selection committee, and skipper Rohit Sharma are likely to have an informal meeting in the national capital to discuss a potential 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup in the Americas. The formal announcement is expected in Mumbai on May 1, the cut-off date for the ICC event.
Agarkar is believed to have flown to Delhi specifically for Saturday's IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to converse with Rohit and gain further insight before selecting the final team with his colleagues. Most of the team is already decided, with only a few slots up for discussion. The main concern for the selection committee and team management is Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness.
If Hardik is included in the 15-member squad, only one of Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh can be selected. Meanwhile, KL Rahul, a favourite of the current coaching staff led by Rahul Dravid, has clearly outpaced his closest competitor Sanju Samson. A surprising selection is unlikely, though Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma could be considered for his attacking play and off-spin bowling against left-handed batsmen.
However, the chances of this are uncertain as Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi vie for the third spinner's spot. Yuzvendra Chahal, the country's top white-ball wrist spinner, reportedly isn't a priority for an influential coaching staff member involved in selection decisions.
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