T20 World Cup: Selection Committee meets Jay Shah to finalise squad, Hardik, second wicketkeeper in focus

Selection Committee to meet Jay Shah

The national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will meet with BCCI secretary Jay Shah in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to finalise the 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

The official announcement may be delayed by a day due to Shah's political commitments, which require the meeting to be held in Ahmedabad to fit his schedule.

Key decisions at the meeting will include selecting the second wicketkeeper and determining all-rounder Hardik Pandya's role in the squad. KL Rahul and Sanju Samson are the main contenders for the wicketkeeper position, both boasting strong performances in the IPL. Rahul has an IPL strike rate of 144 with 378 runs so far, while Samson has scored 385 runs with a strike rate of 161.

Despite Samson's excellent performances as Rajasthan Royals' captain this season, his inconsistent record in T20 internationals may work against him. Rahul, although considered a more reliable option for the middle order on slower Caribbean tracks, has faced criticism for his conservative approach to T20 cricket.

Jitesh Sharma, another wicketkeeping option, has struggled with poor form, while Dhruv Jurel has yet to receive many opportunities behind the stumps. However, Jurel recently scored a half-century in Lucknow.

Left-handed batter Tilak Varma, who is also a capable off-spinner, may be considered for selection, alongside pacer Sandeep Sharma. Sharma's slower deliveries at the death have been instrumental in the Rajasthan Royals' rise to the top of the IPL standings.

(With PTI Input)