India's T20 World Cup squad - A conundrum solved, a big name omitted

Samson, Chahal recalled

Two of the biggest points of contention ahead of India’s squad announcement were the choice of wicketkeeper and wrist-spinner.

With Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav certainties after their performances so far in the IPL, two places remained up for grabs. Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal have seized their opportunities and earned recalls with impressive displays in the ongoing tournament.

Chahal's absence from the Indian team since August 2023 had raised doubts about his standing in the white-ball setup, especially after he missed significant tournaments like the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, and four bilateral T20I series.

However, his recent IPL performances – he is the fifth highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps in nine matches, and became the first-ever player to take 200 wickets in the tournament history – have orchestrated a remarkable comeback.

His teammate and captain at the Rajasthan Royals Samson too is back in India colours, and for the very first time, in the squad for an ICC event. Samson has been prolific both as a batter and captain, scoring 385 runs in nine IPL innings at a strike rate of 161.08 while leading the Royals to eight wins in nine matches.

The addition of the duo adds much-needed depth to the side as well as valuable experience to the Indian line-up, with the duo hopeful of making their T20 World Cup debuts in the Caribbean and USA.

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