Men in Blue have somehow sorted out the places for the upcoming 2019 World Cup, but in the meantime, it would also throw a major challenge ahead of the quadrennial event for the national selectors. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar suggested the management to rest senior campaigner MS Dhoni for the first Twenty20 International (T20I) of India vs Australia 2019 series, starting February 24 in Vizag.
The cricketer-turned-commentator Manjrekar maintained the 37-year-old Dhoni’s inclusion in the 2019 World Cup stands confirmed, as of now. He added the introduction of young gloveman Rishabh Pant could add much to the contest in a particular way.
“Considering that MS Dhoni is now a certainty for the World Cup. It is worthwhile having a look at someone like Pant again, create healthy competition,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.
Furthermore, the contest between Pant and Dinesh Karthik would be exciting. Both are vying to affirm their credentials to book the berth for India’s World Cup campaign in England and Wales.
Ahead of the quadrennial event, Indian players have a lot to confront in the limited-overs series against Australia led by Aaron Finch.
T20 show won’t win players a spot in the 2019 World Cup: Manjrekar
Manjrekar believes the preparations for the day-long tournament won’t emerge by the T20 show. He added the untailored approach has a lot on offer for the youngsters.
“A little bit of relaxed kind of approach because this is T20s and preparation for the 50-over World Cup cannot really be based on T20 performances. I guess it will still be in the minds of the selectors,” Manjrekar added.
The impending series will be a last-gasp of preparations for the Men in Blue. However, Australia will take on Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of the multi-national tournament in the United Kingdom (UK). The competition will kick off on May 30 at Kennington Oval in London.
According to Manjrekar a couple of spots are vacant for the mega event. He added the players are giving their best to make an impact positively.
Manjrekar stressed India could use Ravindra Jadeja and leg-spinner Mayank Markande as its spin options alongside Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar. He reiterated the spin option could be crucial in India’s point of view.
“A few spots still are open – people like Rishabh Pant coming in contention, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja as the spin alternative and Markande as well as – who India can try like a wild card entry into the World Cup squad,” Manjrekar said.
However, we are a couple of hours away from the India-Australia T20 game. Team India led by Virat Kohli could spring a surprise of so in the T20I series opener.
Recently, the team leader Kohli revealed the fans might be taken surprised with the options.
Well, India has enough in the ranks among the pool of talents ahead of the ODI showpiece.
India vs Australia 2019 – Here’s Sanjay Manjrekar’s playing XI for the Vizag T20:
Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar/Krunal Pandya, Mayank Markande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Siddarth Kaul, Umesh Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah.