Virat Kohli’s workload could be a point of debate while Rishabh Pant could have productive Sanju Samson for cover during three T20Is when the selection panel selects the team for the upcoming series facing Bangladesh in Mumbai on Thursday. the selection panel will leave on Kohli to choose whether he requires a rest or continue playing. There is supposed to be serious conversations about Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dubey, who might replace an injured Hardik Pandya for the all-rounder’s slot, essentially based on his big-hitting bravery.
Samson, who recently hit a double hundred for Kerala in the One-Day Competition, is supposed to come in but only as a secondary option to Pant for the time being.
“both Rishab and Samson may appear in the squad.there is no harm in keeping both of them in the squad. They have played together in IPL also. Rishabh has had short success in shorter formats but he is a long-term investment and we need to continue with him,” a BCCI official privy to advancements in the selection panel, told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“At the same time, Sanju is a champ with game-changing capabilities. Keeping World T20 in mind, the team management needs to examine other choices also as everyone knows that it’s time to look beyond MS Dhoni,” the source added.
With Kohli not there in the squad, Samson is being seen as a back-up batsman but it will be interesting to see if Manish Pandey holds his place in the team that represented against South Africa.
All-rounder Dubey has now pipped Vijay Shankar as the second choice in the White ball format, based on big-hitting strength.
“Cricket analysts acknowledge that Shivam’s bowling is still not international pace and nowhere near the kind of pace and quality Hardik holds.
Even Kohli has recognized him a bit in IPL while performing for RCB,” the source further added.
It is unlikely that spin twins of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will get a look in as Rahul Chahar and Washington Sundar are set to get another shot.
KL Rahul, after his good show in the one-day tournament, is expected to hold his place in the side. dashing opener Shikhar Dhawan has been out of form for a while but the panel might stay with him for one more series.
In case there is a proposal of omitting Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal could be a decision as the alternate opener. Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed are anticipated to be the three leading pacers.
