This Is Why Selectors Announced India's T20I Squad Earlier Than Scheduled

The national selection panel announced Team India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa on Thursday. The selectors were set to announce the squad on September 4 but the plan was advanced by almost a week. Selectors were asked to pick the squad at a short notice.

According to reports, the selectors received a notice in the morning on Thursday. Soon, an impromptu teleconference was held late evening to select the 15 players. Mumbai Mirror has reported that the selectors were at different cities – Trivandrum, New Delhi, Bangalore and Kingston (Jamaica) on Thursday. Following the notice, they all connected with each other through phone line.

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Later, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri said the selection date had to be advanced because of logistical issue without elaborating. However, the news outlet has claimed that the reason is different. The selectors had to announce the squad on a short notice because the team’s apparel sponsors (Nike) needed time to prepare new jerseys which will have a new sponsor’s logo.

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BYJU’S has replaced OPPO as the Team India’s jersey sponsors after the Chinese mobile firm sublicensed the rights to the Bengaluru-based education and learning app.  The new deal starts from September 1 and the BCCI was needed to give the time to prepare the new jerseys.

India will host South Africa next month for three T20Is followed by three Tests. The T20Is will be played on September 15, 18 and 22 at Dharamsala, Mohali and Bangalore respectively. India are currently in West Indies. The tour will end with the ongoing second Test in Jamaica. India have had a stunning tour so far.

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The Virat Kohli-led side is yet to lose a single game on the tour so far. They blanked the West Indies 3-0 in T20Is, 2-0 in ODIs before winning the first Test by 318 runs.