The BCCI has additional five days to alter the team selected for the T20 World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a deadline of October 15 for submitting the final team. The selectors are also concerned about allrounder Hardik Pandya’s availability as a medium-pacer, and are considering adding a fast bowler to the main lineup, according to the TOI.
“The selectors will keep an eye on Hardik in the coming days to see how he develops. Because the selectors thought Hardik would be fit enough to bowl his quota of overs, they went with just three true pacers. There is no form to rely on because he hasn’t bowled in the IPL at all “On Sunday, a top BCCI official informed TOI.
The deadline for submitting the final team was thought to be October 10, however it was only for teams participating in the qualifiers, which begin on October 17. “Teams have seven days to alter their teams before the start of their support period. India’s support period begins on October 23 with the Super 12. So they have till midnight on October 15 to alter the team “TOI was told by an ICC source.
The selectors, according to the TOI, want to be very certain that Hardik will be able to bowl in all of the matches. Hardik is yet to bowl for the Mumbai Indians, and his skipper, Rohit Sharma, has stated that his condition would be determined in the next week.
Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar of the Chennai Super Kings are already on alert. One of them might be added to the main team if necessary. “If Hardik does not improve his bowling skills, he may be dropped entirely. However, as an allrounder, he is running out of time. If either Thakur or Deepak is selected, the selectors may urge Harshal Patel to return to the UAE “According to a BCCI source.
The BCCI and selectors had already decided that the team would not be changed unless there were fitness issues. Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner, has also being scrutinised for his health. “Chakravarthy is seen as an X-factor, and the management of the squad is eager to have him on board. However, his knees will be examined as well. It’ll be interesting to see if the team’s medical staff is confident in their ability to manage him throughout the competition “Added the source.
There is yet to be a decision on whether or not to enable families to participate.
The BCCI is still to decide whether or not squad players’ families would be allowed to stay for the T20 World Cup. On the subject, the board is in contact with senior players. The fears come from the disaster in Manchester last month, when the players refused to play the fifth Test against England because to a Covid-19 outbreak in the camp, worrying for the safety of their families.
“Families have stayed back for the IPL so far. Virat Kohli’s family, on the other hand, has returned. A decision on whether they would be permitted to remain in the country for the World Cup has still to be made “According to a BCCI source.
Only close family members are permitted to remain in the bubble, and the ICC has said that the choice to withdraw from a match does not lie with the teams. If an epidemic occurs, the ICC expert panel will manage the issue.