NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer
Parthiv Patel
dismissed the notion that the ongoing three-match T20I series against Afghanistan is a decisive factor in World Cup squad selection.
Patel asserted that the inclusion of
Rohit Sharma
and
Virat Kohli
in the series itself is indicative of their participation in the T20 World Cup.
Despite Rohit's recent challenges, Patel emphasized that being selected for the series implied these experienced players are already part of the World Cup plans.
"I don't see this series as a selection series for the World Cup. I don't think any player performing or not will impact their chances of World Cup selection, especially when you are talking about Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. Once you have picked them for the series, it means they are going for the World Cup. For Rohit Sharma personally, he would like to score runs. He likes to set the tone, and if he gets in, he would like to make it a big one," Patel was quoted as saying in JioCinema.
In the first two matches of the series, India successfully chased down targets, securing six-wicket victories in both encounters. Rohit Sharma, making a return to T20 cricket after an absence of over a year, has faced setbacks with two consecutive ducks. However, Patel believed that these outings won't significantly impact his World Cup selection.
Looking ahead to the final T20I in Bengaluru, former cricketer
Saba Karim
suggested that India should once again opt to chase the target to assess the team's batting depth. Testing players like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the middle order can help evaluate the team's composition, especially with the impending return of
Hardik Pandya
.
"I hope they do that in Bengaluru. Not only to put the bowlers under scanner but also to check the depth of your batting. Players like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who come down the order, may get a look in. Then you can understand if you want to play three seamers or spinners in the playing XI once Hardik Pandya comes in," Karim said.
With India already securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, the final T20I against Afghanistan presents an opportunity for experimentation and evaluation ahead of the T20 World Cup.
(With inputs from ANI)
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