Analysis of India’s T20 World Cup squad: The reasons behind Chahal and Dube’s selection

India has announced its 15-member provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, with Yuzvendra Chahal and Shivam Dube being notable inclusions. The team, led by Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain, was revealed by the BCCI on Tuesday.

Chahal, who was ignored for India’s recent T20 assignments, made it to the squad based on his impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season. He is the only right-arm spinner in the squad, with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav making up the rest of the spin attack. The specialist pacers include Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj.

Notable omissions from the squad were K.L. Rahul and Dinesh Karthik, while Shubman Gill lost out on the opener slot to Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rishabh Pant makes his international comeback after a long layoff due to a car accident, with Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper-batter.

Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, despite recent struggles, have been backed by the selectors. India will kick off its World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5, followed by a highly-anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The team will then face off against the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15 respectively.