The team's management must decide whether to prioritise winning the series or giving an additional opportunity to fringe players in the lead-up to the 2024 T20 WC.
Follow Us
India will confront a new test in a three-match T20I series against New Zealand in their own backyard. Senior players have been rested for this series, which is led by Hardik Pandya, who is assisted by Rishabh Pant. In this section, we look at the selection issues for India in the series. The team’s management must decide whether to prioritise winning the series or giving an additional opportunity to fringe players in the lead-up to the 2024 T20 WC.
Umran Malik is a tearaway speedster who often bowls at 150+ kmph. He was considered for the T20 World Cup in Australia, but his performances in the games he played did not convince the management. Malik has given up runs at a rate of 12.4 RPO in three games that he has played in India colours. However, he has demonstrated in the IPL that he can be extremely effective. The squad also includes Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshal Patel. Mohammed Siraj is also a member of the squad. It would be interesting which combination Pandya goes in with.
Read more: IPL 2023: Top 3 released players who can earn big in mini-auction
Chahal has played the most T20Is in New Zealand of the three spinners in the squad, but his record is not stellar. He has only four wickets at an economy of 8.54 in seven T20Is. Meanwhile, Kuldeep has only played one game and has delivered stats of 1/26. Washington Sundar, on the other hand, has played two games and has only taken one wicket. He’s given up runs at an 8.8 RPO. India must decide if they want a defensive option in Sundar, who can give batting depth or two wrist spinners.
Ishan Kishan has rejoined the team. He is anticipated to open the batting. Shubman Gill was unexpectedly chosen for this series, but Ruturaj Gaikwad was dropped. Kishan might be paired with either Gill or Pant for India. If Pant and Kishan both open, the top of the lineup would have two left-handed possibilities. If India wants to address their powerplay batting problem, they should consider Sanju Samson as an opener. In IPL 2022, he struck at146.4s in 11 innings while in the powerplay.
