Predicted 30-member probables for India at the World T20

The preliminary squad for the World T20 is likely to be mix of youth and experienceThe 2016 World T20 is around the corner and the deadline for revealing the 30-member squad is fast approaching. The selectors will be busy sorting out the team combinations for the Twenty20 extravaganza. The scene is no different with the Indian team who are getting thrashed in the ODI series against Australia.The Indians are facing a huge crisis in the middle-order and the fast bowling department also needs to get sorted by the World T20. The MS Dhoni-led side are using a different combination for the T20Is in Australia as they are looking to have a settled line-up ahead of the Asia Cup and consequently the World T20 in their own backyard.Who are all the players in contention for the World T20? Let us take a look at the possible 30-man squad for the World T20.

#1 Batsmen

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be the key batsmen for India

Batting is an area in which Indians are excelling at the shorter formats of the game due to the depth in their arsenal. Not only the international players but also the fringe players are knocking the doors to get into the Indian team with impressive domestic performances.

The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane are certainties to be in the 15-member squad. Apart from Gurkeerat Mann who has become a part of the team, Manish Pandey, Mandeep Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer and Kedar Jadhav are likely to get a look-in as these players have performed consistently in the domestic circuit for a while.

India’s hero in the 2007 World T20 Yuvraj Singh will also be in the 30-man list and should also find himself in the 15 after a stellar domestic season. Ambati Rayudu who was dropped from the Indian side could also feature in the 30.

Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Manish Pandey, Gurkeerat Mann Singh, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Shreyas Iyer

#2 All-Rounders

Irfan Pathan could stage a comeback in Indian colours

Among the core probables, 5 all-rounders should be picked. Ravindra Jadeja has hit form in the right time and is a certainty in the final 15. Axar Patel and Rishi Dhawan who are a part of India’s ODI side will also feature but it is unlikely that they will get the nod in the final 15 after they were dropped from the T20I team against Australia.

Hardik Pandya who took IPL 2015 by storm earned a place in the India’s T20 side to Australia and he could also be picked for the final 15. Irfan Pathan, Man of the Match in the 2007 World T20 final has been on fine form and might be a surprise pick for the final 15 too.

All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Irfan Pathan, Rishi Dhawan

#3 Wicket-Keepers

MS Dhoni has already received the BCCI’s backing to lead India in the World T20

There are not many options to choose from in the wicket-keepers section as there are only two names that might feature in the preliminary squad. The Indian selectors have been reluctant to fit in a backup gloveman for major ICC events.

Robin Uthappa who was an unsung hero in India’s 2007 World T20 triumph is looking for a comeback into the Indian side and will be included in the 30-man squad. But, his chances of getting into the final 15 are bleak as skipper MS Dhoni will be an automatic choice for the keeper’s slot.

Wicket-Keepers: MS Dhoni, Robin Uthappa

#4 Bowlers

India will sweat on Mohammad Shami's fitness

Bowling has been the concern for India in Australia. However in sub-continental conditions that will suit their spinners, India is a force to be reckoned with.

Apart from R Ashwin, no other bowler is a certainty to be in the final 15. The selectors will keep an eye on the status of Mohammad Shami’s injury. Shami will get a place in the 30 but his place in the final 15 depends on his injury.

The rest of the bowlers including Harbhajan Singh will feature among the probables though their performances in Australia will decide their fate in the final squad.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Barinder Sran, Amit Mishra, Mohit Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra

#5 The Final List

India will bank on familiar pitches to mount a successful challenge for the trophy

Preliminary 30-member squad: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Manish Pandey, Gurkeerat Mann Singh, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Shreyas Iyer, MS Dhoni, Robin Uthappa, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Barinder Sran, Amit Mishra, Mohit Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Irfan Pathan, Rishi Dhawan.

Predicted Final 15: MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ashish Nehra, Gurkeerat Mann Singh, Mohammad Shami (If he fails to recover in time, Umesh Yadav will take his place)