Opening batter Shubman Gill was one of the notable omissions from India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. He was named as a travelling reserve when the squad was announced last month. However, a report by TOI says that Gill was picked as a travelling reserve despite him carrying a niggle in his right index finger. Moreover, The Gujarat Titans (GT) captain played the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the niggle.
Gill who has been released from the list of travelling reserves ahead of the Super 8 stage may need surgery as well. The final call on the surgery will be taken by National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical staff.
Senior players to be rested
After the T20 World Cup 2024, India's T20I squad is scheduled to leave for Zimbabwe in the first week of July. India are to play in a five-T20I series against Zimbabwe. Over the last decade, India have sent a second-string squad to Zimbabwe. Skipper Rohit Sharma and senior players like Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested as their focus shifts to World Test Championship (WTC) and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 next year.
Meanwhile, it is also expected to be Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach. Gambhir appeared for an interview in Mumbai on June 18 and is likely to be Rahul Dravid’s successor.
Mayank yet to regain fitness, maiden callus in store
Meanwhile, Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma and Yash Dayal are expected to get their maiden T20I callups. In the bowling department, young pace sensation Mayank Yadav is unlikely to board the flight to Zimbabwe as he is at NCA after getting ruled out with a side strain. As per the report, Mayank is bowling at 80 to 90 percent. He may feature in the side for Sri Lanka tour.
Pant’s workload
Keeping Rishabh Pant's workload in mind, Sanju Samson may be the primary wicketkeeper-batter in Zimbabwe with Dhruv Jurel as his backup. Shreyas Iyer who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title will not be a part of the T20I squad for Zimbabwe but will return for ODI series against Sri Lanka.
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