Upcoming IPL stars Venkatesh Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Avesh Khan could all feature in the India squad for the home series vs New Zealand following the World T20. As per reports from the PTI, the Indian white-ball side is set to undergo a massive overhaul following the ongoing T20 global mega-event.
Team India set for big overhaul after the WT20
The New Zealand home series is being hyped up as a major turning point for several of the incumbent India white-ball players. And from the looks of it, it seems as though a lot of players will find themselves out of favor should India not be able to make it to the WT20 playoffs; a grim possibility that seems hauntingly inevitable at the moment.
Several of India’s key players have looked woefully out of form, which seems to have prompted the selectors to take some harsh and bold calls for subsequent white-ball assignments. But even discounting a collection of poor performances, many of India’s senior players will most likely be taking a break to refresh themselves after some gruelling months of bio-bubble transition.
Captain Virat Kohli, for one, is almost certain to be ‘rested’ from the team, as is vice-captain Rohit Sharma. Many of the team’s all-format players like Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah could also be given a break. One exception to this list is KL Rahul, who currently seems to be the front-runner for captaining the India squad vs New Zealand.
Gaikwad, V Iyer, Avesh, and Umran Malik likely to get chances; Chahal and Shreyas Iyer set to comeback
If unverified reports from the PTI are to be believed, it seems like the Indian team will be giving opportunities to a host of young performers who were impressive in the IPL. Chennai’s orange-cap winner from the 2021 season, Ruturaj Gaikwad, looks a hot favorite to get fast-tracked into the team; while Venkatesh Iyer, Kolkata’s stunning revelation with the bat and the ball, also looks in good stead to feature in the side.
Delhi Capitals’ promising fast-bowler Avesh Khan also seems to be in line to earn his India cap. Also likely to be involved in the series is Umran Malik, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s gun quick-bowler, whom the selectors seem to be looking as a player to groom for the T20 World Cup on Australia’s pace-friendly wickets next year.
Alongside these newcomers, several prominent marquee India players who were left out of the World Cup team also seem likely to find their way back into the side. Leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and batsman Shreyas Iyer are almost certain to reprise their roles in the T20I team following India’s dismal showing in the World Cup. Washington Sundar, who has been out of action ever since the World Test Championship Final owing to a finger injury, could also make a comeback.
"Ruturaj Gaikwad, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzi Chahal and Avesh Khan are likely to get opportunity in the T20 Series against New Zealand." – According to PTI
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) November 2, 2021
"Umran Malik could be a surprise Selection for the T20 Series against New Zealand as the Next T20 World Cup 2022 will be on the bouncy Australian pitches." – According to PTI
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) November 2, 2021
Most of the details revealed so far are based on speculations, but there will be more clarity in the coming days when the BCCI meets up with the national selectors. At the time of writing this, it is being strongly suggested that Virat Kohli might be stripped off of his captaincy position in the One-Day International (ODI) format. Rohit Sharma seems to be the obvious choice to replace him in the leadership role.
India kicks off its home series against New Zealand just 3 days after the WT20 final. Jaipur, Ranchi, and Kolkata will host the 3 T20I games on November 17, 19, and 21 respectively. The series will also include 2 test matches in Kanpur (25-29 November) and Mumbai (3-7 December).