Maninder Singh believes the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 has already been finalised. As far as opportunities for fringe players go, it would only be possible in case of injuries to the first-choice players.
It isn’t long left before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee is to submit the Indian squad for the forthcoming T20I World Cup 2022.
While fans and experts feel certain players might get the nod based on India’s performance in the 2022 Asia Cup, former India cricketer Maninder Singh feels the 2022 T20I World Cup squad is already finalized.
Maninder Singh, speaking to the media in a virtual interaction arranged through the Sony Sports Network, said that there could be a place for new players in the team only if certain members of the team get injured or miss out because of another reason.
Maninder Singh: 2022 T20I World Cup Indian Squad Already Finalized And Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel Will Get Their Chances If Anyone Is Injured
The retired cricketer also spoke about players like Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel who will get opportunities only when the first-choice players are missing.
“Whatever opportunities you get at the international level, you have to keep performing, so the selectors keep gaining that confidence that you can do the job. I will give you an example of Kuldeep Yadav – He had a fantastic IPL 2022, then whatever opportunities he got so far in international cricket, he has done very well the white ball cricket that he has played. That way it is going to be very crucial for every player in the squad,” Maninder Singh said.
“As far as them (Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel) getting into the World Cup team, I think the WC team is already finalized. They might only get opportunities only if somebody gets injured. So you can’t expect anyone to get injured. In today’s time you never know with COVID, you never know who is going to fall apart.
“In that way the series is going to be very important for all the players going to Zimbabwe. And if they keep performing and don’t get the chance in this World Cup, then they will get picked in the next series after that or maybe the next WC,” Maninder Singh explained.
Kuldeep Yadav’s comeback performance in IPL 2022, in which he bowled more quickly and confidently while scooping up 21 wickets for Delhi Capitals, was a very encouraging sight.
During India’s T20I series against South Africa in June, many people anticipated that his illustrious streak would continue. But due to a hand injury, he was unable to play in the series, go to Ireland and England, or the ODIs against the West Indies. In the fifth T20I match against the West Indies in Lauderhill, he finally got his chance, capturing three wickets in an outstanding bowling display in which spinners claimed all 10 wickets.
Maninder Singh Impressed With Sanju Samson And Reckons It’s Not Easy To Choose Between Him And Ishan Kishan
“Difficult choice because both these players (Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan) are brilliant players and it’s not going to be easy for the coach and the captain to pick the first choice-wicketkeeper. I am very very impressed with Sanju Samson because he has got a lot of time. When he plays on the backfoot, you can make out that the batsman has a lot of time,” he said.
There was no room for keepers Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in Asia Cup 2022 squad but both are in the Zimbabwe-bound ODI squad.
Sanju Samson has struggled to replicate his IPL exploits at the international level as the Kerala batter, who made his debut in 2015, has managed 296 runs at a meager average of 21.14 in 16 T20Is and 118 runs in 4 ODIs averaging 39.33.
Meanwhile, Washington Sundar was to fly to Harare from the UK but it looks a doubtful proposition as there is a question mark over his fitness. He injured his left shoulder while diving on the field during a Royal London One-Day match between Lancashire and Worcestershire at Old Trafford on Wednesday (August 10).