T20 World Cup 2024: Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh to be included in India squad; Tilak Varma has outside chance

As the deadline for announcing the squads for the 2024 T20 World Cup approaches, excitement builds around Team India's lineup for the upcoming ICC tournament. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee faces the challenging task of finalizing the balanced squad for the competition before May 1.

Players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav are almost certain for selection in the batting lineup of the T20 World Cup squad. Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel are competing for the all-rounder roles. Shivam Dube might be picked as a specialist batter in the squad.

In the bowling department, Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer Jasprit Bumrah and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav are likely automatic selections. However, competition is fierce for other slots, with Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar all in contention.

Mohammed Siraj, playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has only managed to secure five wickets in nine matches at an average of 64.60 in the IPL 2024. His economy rate stands at 9.50 runs per over. The right-arm pacer struggled to make an impact during the powerplay overs in the event.

Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh has claimed 12 wickets in nine matches at an average of 25.17 with an economy rate of 9.64. He has secured 62 wickets for India in 44 T20I matches at an average of 20.87 with an economy rate of 8.64. The left-arm pacer was part of India's squad in the last T20 World Cup.

Team Management Wants To Trust The Players It Has Groomed

"The team management wants to trust the players it has groomed. There are concerns about Siraj and Arshdeep going for so many runs but one has to look at the context. In these matches, you have to think about defending the target set by your team-even if you do it by 10 runs."

"Jasprit Bumrah is different class. The others should not be compared with him. There won't be 'impact player' rule in the World Cup. Axar Patel, for example, has been exemplary with his economy rate," the source told TOI.

Tilak Varma To Be Included In World Cup Squad?

The primary challenge lies in assembling power hitters in the middle order. While Rohit and Virat Kohli provide consistency, the responsibility to generate substantial scores rests on middle-order batters. However, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja have not been impressive in the T20 tournament.

The team management had groomed Rinku Singh for the role. Shivam Dube showcased his hard-hitting skills for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but his limited bowling might be a drawback. MI middle-order batter Tilak Varma could be considered by the selection committee, as per the report.

Also read: New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad 2024 announced; Kane Williamson to lead the side