‘Don’t quite think this team can become world beaters’ – Fans react as Harsha Bhogle gives out his verdict on T20I squad for West Indies tour
The Indian T20I squad for the West Indies tour has been announced. This was the last squad to be picked. The interesting part is that the Men in Blue will play 5 T20Is against the Men in Maroon and will be looking to use these five games as a launch pad to potentially build a new T20I side ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 which will be held at the same venue.
After the squad was announced under Ajit Agarkar who became the new chairman of selectors on Tuesday, Harsha Bhogle gave a straightforward response and shared his views on the squad. He talked about why Tilak Varma was selected ahead of Rinku Singh. Harsha said that since Tilak can bowl, he has been selected ahead of Rinku. But he said that Rinku is not far from an Indian call-up. Harsha also said that it was really tough on Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rinku.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been rested from the West Indies T20Is citing workload management
The India commentator went on further to explain that other than Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya there are no other bowling options. He felt that the bowling was light on part-time options which the Indian team was famous for in the past. He also expressed concerns about the batting lineup looking thin after number 7. Some fans said that this Indian T20I side would struggle on flat pitches, but they would thrive better if the pitch offered a bit of assistance.
The experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been rested citing workload management. Ravi Bishnoi has made a comeback to the Indian side in the T20Is against the West Indies. This means that the Indian Team management would be looking to expand the Indian spin cabinet and also have a good option as a backup for Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. When it comes to the pace bowlers, Avesh Khan and Umran Malik get a look in despite poor recent IPL form.
Avesh also played in the last West Indies tour in 2022. Umran Malik had an underwhelming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Mukesh Kumar picked up 7 from 10 games and bowled some tight overs at the death for Delhi Capitals (DC). It remains to be seen how India will approach the T20I series under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
All mumbaikar will be the focus of the selectors and now especially with Agarkar as chief selector we can expect only this
— V Sridhar (@srineel66) July 6, 2023
It's understandable that they are looking to move ahead with Gill and Jaiswal and might be the right choice. But is Ishan someone who's right bat down the order as keeper, and chosen ahead of Jitesh? I feel it's unfair to drop him off the squad without any explanation.
— Jassa (@JasCricket) July 6, 2023
In the bowling unit. Apart from Arshdeep, no new promise.
We don't have alternative to Bumrah.Avesh, Harshal, Umran Malik- need to work on their skills.
In all rounder category – Shardul, Deepak Chahar, Washington Sundar. They need to be given more opportunities and attention.
— Siddhant Y (@Siddhant_0553) July 6, 2023
Hardik Pandya even in IPL likes bowling-heavy team so I like how selectors have given him good variety of options to select from. But I like this squad at least it's better than previous selection committee's squads.
— J4ck ✳️ (@Jaaack77) July 6, 2023
I think we are one leg spinner too many. Could have had Rinku for Bishnoi. We are one batsman’s short with only Ishaan filling up for any injury.
— PFC_OM (@PFC_OM) July 6, 2023
Tripathi being dropped is alarming. He played with great intent.Rrohit is always going on about not penalising players who show intent.
But this, along with selection of the likes of KL (not in the current team due to injury) sends a conflicting signal to the team.
Opinion?
— AB Vidrohi (@ab_vidrohi) July 6, 2023
I made the same observation Harsha. This mix is really old school. Batters, spinners and pacers. We lack all rounders. It’s not like India doesn’t have them but I see a great gap in vision. This is not a team for the future.
— Storywaalaa 👊🏼 (@avinashpareek) July 6, 2023
Chahal is there in the system for over a decade. He should have worked a bit more on his batting atleast possess one of the following skills with the bat: Slog/pick singles/block and value your wicket. Kuldeep on the other hand has worked harder and has 6 FC 50 + 1 100.
— Rohan Karkhanis▶️ (@RohanKarkhanis) July 6, 2023
Problem is as per experts everyone should bat at top
Now, some experts are saying Tilak should bat top
Sab top pe batting karenge to 6/7 PE kaun karega?
Fir yeh bogus argument little offerings arey Bhai he is finisher you need guys like him at 6/7
Fir har ka thikra ballers pe
— Sunil Singh (@Sunil_1984_) July 6, 2023
Anyone else who can turn their arm around. If one of the bowlers has a bad day, it will be ‘game over’. And most likely it will be Avesh and Arshdeep who will have off days on 3 of the 5 days
— RR 🇮🇳 (@libran0101) July 6, 2023
What is the point of playing Chahal? They didn't play him in the world cup last year and he is aging… Will they play him in next year world cup or will he be in the team only for few more bilaterals?
— Rᴀɢɴᴀʀ (@______Ragnar) July 6, 2023
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