BCCI To Shortlist 30 Players For T20 World Cup 2024

image-lqwle3mdThe senior players will be in focus as team prepares for their next ultimate challenge. (ICC)

As team India gears up for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in West Indies and USA in June, crucial decisions need to be made regarding player selection and monitoring. With just six months remaining for the next World Cup, the BCCI Selection Committee is set to shortlist 25-30 players for close observation during the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024).

Similar to the approach taken for the ODI World Cup, the BCCI selection committee will identify and monitor 25-30 players for potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Throughout IPL 2024, all selected players will be closely watched without imposing any conditions on the participating franchises. This monitoring process will include prominent players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar is expected to travel to Cape Town to discuss this matter with Rahul Dravid.

One of the key uncertainties revolves around the participation of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup 2024. Both players have not featured in any T20I matches since the semi-final loss to England in T20 World Cup 2022.

During Rohit's absence, Hardik Pandya, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Suryakumar Yadav have taken on captaincy responsibilities, while Kohli focused on ODIs in 2023, preparing for the ICC World Cup. Agarkar is likely to engage with head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma in Cape Town during the second and final Test between India and South Africa at Newlands.

Furthermore, Agarkar is expected to have discussions with both Rohit and Kohli regarding their future in T20 cricket before the selection panel finalizes the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan at home.

Recent reports suggest that the team management is exploring options beyond the star duo in T20Is. Contrary to earlier plans, the BCCI has abandoned the idea of instructing franchises to limit matches for shortlisted players in the IPL. Instead, the selectors will create a larger pool of players, providing flexibility in case of injuries.

All shortlisted players will undergo monitoring by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) physios and the BCCI medical team. The NCA will maintain communication with franchises to assess workload management during IPL 2024.

As per the report, the BCCI selectors will construct a big pool with at least two players available for every position. This strategic approach ensures the availability of like-for-like replacements in case of injuries.