India captain Shubman Gill, centre, KL Rahul, right, and Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrate after winning the cricket series against West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan) India’s men’s selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, is likely to pick the squads for the one-off Test against Afghanistan and the three ODIs to follow on May 19. As reported by TimesofIndia.com on May 11, a message has already been sent to the hopefuls asking them to gradually increase their workload for the five-day Indian Premier League (I PL) match.Shubman Gill is expected to lead a strong batting unit for the match and a decision on the bowling group is expected closer to selection day. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested in the non-Test World Cup competition, plenty of new faces are expected to make the cut. It includes Gurnoor Brar, who has impressed the selectors with his ability to consistently hit the good spots, with pace and crisp movement.No major surprises are expected when it comes to the ODI selection, but there could be a major decision on the second wicketkeeper option. Rishabh Pant was part of the lineup but fell out of favor due to his inconsistent returns with the bat in the IPL. With Ishan Kishan’s stock on the rise since his return to T20Is, it won’t be a surprise if he gets a look in there. His name had been discussed in previous meetings as well, due to his red-hot form; being left-handed and the ability to give the head coach the flexibility to bat anywhere in the order.KL Rahul is in form, continues to enjoy management support and will remain the first wicket-taker for the foreseeable future. Next year’s ODI World Cup is in South Africa and Rahul’s experience will be invaluable.The next big discussion will be about Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and the role of the spin-bowling all-rounder.Jadeja has stunning returns with both bat and ball in the format and his batting can push him to the exit door when he bats in a position where the management expects more intent. Still, will it be Jadeja or Axar Patel? Or someone else? It’s anyone’s guess at this point, but there’s a debate brewing about this slot.
Who should be the first choice wicketkeeper in the ODI team?
It was further learned that informal discussions have already started regarding the Test World Cup, the new T20I cycle and the 50-over World Cup next year. With crucial calls expected to be taken, it remains to be seen whether the announcement will come on the same day voters meet or if there will be a delay.
