The T20 World Cup is just around the corner and the stakes are high as far as the Indian squad is concerned, with several players vying for one spot in the team. However, the national selection committee is unlikely to select an aspiring IPL performer for the showpiece event in America. Riyan Parag (RR), Mayank Yadav (LSG) and Abhishek Sharma (SRH), among others, have enjoyed breakthrough seasons in the IPL so far. But according to a report by news agency PTI, the selectors will not test the rookie players in a “high stakes” tournament like the T20 World Cup.
With India set to play two white-ball series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka after the T20 World Cup, players like Parag, Mayank and other IPL performers could be considered for selection during the bilateral matches.
“The likes of Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, Abhishek Sharma and Harshit Rana have all performed well but it is clear that the selection committee would like to follow the process of easing them through bilateral cricket rather than testing them in a high level.” -stakes World T20 game,” the report said.
Parag is the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL so far, behind only Virat Kohli (361). The RR all-rounder scored 318 runs in seven matches, an average of over 63.
Similarly, Abhishek has also started the season on a high, scoring over 200 in the powerplay. Mayank, on the other hand, has played just two matches but his raw pace has sparked debate over his selection.
The report also quoted SRH's all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, another player the BCCI is keeping a close eye on.
“Nitish Reddy, a bowling all-rounder who was part of the India Emerging squad that toured Sri Lanka last year, could follow the same path,” the report further added.
It will be interesting to see if BCCI makes arrangements to consider the likes of Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana or Akash Madhwal as net bowlers, which will also give them good exposure.
(With PTI inputs)
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