Surprising Moves in the Indian T20 World Cup Squad Announced by BCCI

The Indian Cricket Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup, and the squad announcement has stirred quite a buzz among cricket enthusiasts. Several surprising and strategic moves in the selection have left many questions and speculations. This article delves into these surprising elements of the squad, offering insights and analysis.

1. The Return of Mahela Jayawardene

The most prominent surprise in the squad is the inclusion of Mahela Jayawardene (MSD), a legendary cricketer renowned for his leadership and batting skills. However, this time, he returns not behind the stumps but as a mentor to the team. With the demanding schedule of the IPL and the upcoming T20 World Cup, BCCI has made a shrewd decision to have MSD guide the team throughout the tournament. This move is a masterstroke as it ensures a steady hand at the helm of the team during crucial matches.

2. The Resurgence of Ravichandran Ashwin

Another surprising move by the BCCI is the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin, a veteran spinner last seen in a limited-overs jersey in 2017. Ashwin, known as 'Kutty,' has experienced a resurgence in form, leading to his entry. With India's current need to groom their spinners, Ashwin's return will add value in both batting and bowling. This selection highlights the BCCI’s strategy to rely on experienced players who can still offer significant contributions on the field.

3. The Mysterious Return of Varun Chakravarthy

Perhaps the most notable surprise comes in the form of Varun Chakravarthy, a mysterious player who often goes unnoticed but has been successful in limited overs formats. Varun's inclusion is surprising because of his role as a "mystery spinner," as contrasted with the exclusion of Natarajan, who has been recovering from an injury. This move suggests that the BCCI is banking on Chakravarthy's skills to provide a match-winning spin performance, especially in the UAE's challenging conditions.

4. Surya Kumar Yadav's Entry and Shikhar Dhawan's Omission

The squad also features the surprising inclusion of Surya Kumar Yadav, a talented all-rounder who has been in top form in the IPL. This strategic addition signals a clear development in India's batting and bowling lineup. However, the most notable surprise is the omission of Shikhar Dhawan, who has been in a lean patch. This move indicates India’s confidence in other opening batsmen, and for the "Rohit-Sh-md" opening partnership to remain intact, with a potential for Surya Kumar Yadav to slot in at three or four.

Conclusion

The T20 World Cup squad announced by BCCI is packed with strategic surprises and unexpected moves. From the mentorship of Mahela Jayawardene to the revival of Ravichandran Ashwin and the inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy, these decisions reflect the BCCI's foresight and strategic thinking. The team is anticipated to present a formidable lineup for the upcoming championship, challenging the best in the world.