New Delhi, April 30: Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal have been included in India’s provisional squad for the T20 World Cup in the Americas. However, star batter Shubman Gill and big-hitting Rinku Singh have been relegated to the reserves group.
The BCCI unveiled the squad, led by Rohit Sharma, following a meeting between secretary Jay Shah and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Ahmedabad.
Despite his recent poor form, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been retained as vice-captain, following his leadership role with the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL.
Samson, who has impressed in the IPL both as a batter and captain for Rajasthan Royals, secured his place as the second wicketkeeper-batter behind Rishabh Pant, edging out contenders like K L Rahul and Ishan Kishan. Hard-hitting batter Shivam Dube has also been included on the back of his strong IPL performance.
Leg-spinner Chahal, who last played for India in August 2023, joins Kuldeep Yadav as the second wrist spinner in the squad.
However, Gill, currently enjoying a successful run as captain of Gujarat Titans in the IPL, has been named among the standbys, along with Kolkata Knight Riders’ Rinku Singh.
The selectors have shown confidence in Yashasvi Jaiswal, who despite a slow start in the IPL, has regained form recently for Rajasthan Royals.
The T20 World Cup commences on June 2 in the USA and the Caribbean, with India starting their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York.
