The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off on June 1, with teams, including India, having until May 1 for squad submissions. This initial deadline allows flexibility until May 25 for changes without ICC approval, after which the ICC technical committee’s nod is required. The BCCI Selection Committee can utilize the entire IPL 2024 to assess player performances before finalizing the squad. Additionally, IPL 2024 serves as a crucial audition for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The selection committee is set to announce a 15-member squad with three traveling reserves, with expectations for Rohit Sharma to lead. However, uncertainty remains regarding the captaincy, as it could be either Rohit Sharma or Hardik Pandya. The squad decisions will be influenced by current form rather than past individual performances, and the selectors will determine the inclusion of Rohit and Virat based on their availability and T20I suitability.
T20 World Cup Squad Submission Dates:
- May 1: Preliminary squad submission deadline
- May 25: Final Squad submission deadline
The Rohit-Virat conundrum poses a challenge for Ajit Agarkar-led selectors, torn between their superstar status and concerns about team balance. Rohit’s recent T20I struggles and Kohli’s measured middle-over approach add complexity. Including both risks sidelining promising talents like Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal, prolific in IPL 2023.
Also read: Hernia Surgery Recovery Time for Suryakumar Yadav- Is he Out of IPL 2024?
The IPL 2024 will be the decisive factor in selection, with Rohit likely to regain captaincy if he performs well. Despite Kohli’s global cricket ambassador role, sidelining him in the USA-centric plans might disrupt ICC’s ambitious T20 World Cup and LA Olympics visions.
Sourav Ganguly supports Rohit’s T20 World Cup captaincy, advocating for Kohli’s inclusion. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, previously leading in Rohit’s absence, faces uncertainty. The BCCI official emphasizes T20Is lacked a full-time captain, leaving the decision of captaincy between Hardik and Rohit to the selectors. Even if Rohit returns as captain, Hardik is slated to be his deputy.