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With the T20 World Cup 2024 set to be played in some days' time, teams are discussing to field their best team. With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors and concerned members are regularly meeting and discussing the playing combinations for the marquee event. According to a report published by Dainik Jagran, Team India skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to open the inning for India in T20 World Cup 2024. If so be it, it comes as a surprise with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill either dropping down the order or not getting a game. Moreover, it is to be noted that it would not be the first time Kohli would be opening the batting in T20Is for India.
If Rohit and Kohli open, Shubman Gill is likely to be picked as a backup opener. It is to be seen, if Kohli and Rohit open, then only one among Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill will get a chance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also kept the doors open for Riyan Parag, who is performing well with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2024.
Hardik Pandya to bowl regularly to earn a T20 World Cup spot
Apart from this, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has also put a stern condition for all-rounder Hardik Pandya. According to a report in The Indian Express, the members present in the meeting, including India Head Coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, have emphasised that Hardik needs to bowl regularly.
Pandya, who is leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024, has bowled in different phases, but is yet to leave a positive mark. As a powerplay bowler, he has conceded 44 runs in four overs, while as death bowler, he has given 26 runs on just one over.
According to several reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will announce the squad for the T20 World Cup by May 1. While the ICC has put May 1 as the deadline to announce squads for the marquee event, teams can make changes in their side still May 25 with the tournament scheduled to kickstart from June 2 (IST).