Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour has shut down speculation surrounding the return of Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan. Social media was buzzing with rumors about the duo's departure, but Rathour clarified that their release from the T20 World Cup squad was pre-planned. He emphasised that their absence from the Super Eight stage is not due to disciplinary action.
Vikram Rathour clarifies Shubham Gill & Avesh Khan release
"This was a plan from the beginning," said Rathour during a press conference after the India-Canada washout on June 15, Saturday.
"When we come to the US, four players will come together. After that two will be released and two will travel with us to West Indies. So, this plan was made from the beginning since the team was selected. This was planned so we are just following that," he added.
While confirming the planned release of Gill and Khan, Rathour also expressed his disappointment about the washed-out match. He explained that a proper game would have been ideal preparation for the team's crucial Super Eight opener against Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados.
"Some reserve players are being released of course, that concern is always there when you play on the conditions which are not ideal. So, decision to play or not to play over with the match officials. So as a team we didn't have any say in that. But if the game had happened that would have really helped us. We were really looking forward to play a game, to play a good game of cricket," Rathour further added.
Batting coach Vikram Rathour shed light on the decision to sit out the washed-out match against Canada. He explained that the team prioritized player safety, fearing potential injuries on a damp wicket. This approach aims to ensure a fully fit squad for their crucial Super Eight opener against Afghanistan on June 20.
"There's always a concern when you play a game in conditions like this that some injury can happen. You're already in Super 8 and you don't want that to happen. That's the last thing you want to happen before you enter the serious part of the tournament," he concluded.
The stage is set for the T20 World Cup Super 8 battle which is slated to kick off on June 19. Seven teams have already secured their spots, with the remaining spot likely going to Bangladesh. Netherlands still have a mathematical chance, but it's a long shot.
Team India dominated Group A, winning their first three matches before the final one was rained out. This dominant performance earned them the top spot in the group. Now, they'll shift their focus to the Super 8s, which will be played in the West Indies – a different environment compared to the USA where they played the group stage.
India's journey in the Super 8s begins on June 20 with a match against Afghanistan. Cricket fans around the world are particularly looking forward to June 24, when India face off against Australia in a rematch of the thrilling 2023 World Cup Final.
T20 World Cup Super 8s: Groups, Seeding, and India's Schedule
Here's a breakdown of the Super 8 stage format, groups, and India's crucial upcoming match:
Super 8 Format:
Originally, the top 8 ranked teams were pre-seeded into two groups before the tournament.
However, due to some surprise eliminations (Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka), their spots were filled by USA (A2), Afghanistan (C1), and likely Bangladesh (D2) with a slim chance for Netherlands.
This pre-seeding aimed to give fans a general idea of where matches might be played in the later stages.
Top two teams from each Super 8 group will advance to the semi-finals.
Super 8 Groups:
Group 1: India (A1), Australia (B2), Afghanistan (C1), Bangladesh/Netherlands (D2)
Group 2: USA (A2), England (B1), West Indies (C2), South Africa (D1)
India's Super 8 schedule schedule
June 20: vs Afghanistan, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 8:00 PM IST
une 22: vs Bangladesh/Netherlands, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, 8:00 PM IST
June 24: vs Australia, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia, 8:00 PM IST
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