ICC T20 World Cup: Umran Malik for World Cup? Is it too early? 

The Indian Cricket Team for any global event such as the ICC T20 World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and ODI World Cup is always the talk of the town. In the past few tournaments, we have seen some jaw-dropping choices made by the selection panel. Ambati Rayudu getting dropped just before the ICC ODI World Cup, Yuzi Chahal not getting picked for the ICC T20 World Cup, and many such decisions left the fans with a sour taste in their mouth. Here is an in-depth look at what influences the choices of the selectors: 

Fast-Tracking Culture: 

The Fast-Tracking Culture is very common in India. What does fast-tracking mean? It means that you promote a youth sensation straight away to the national team without any domestic grilling or with limited domestic of that individual. For example, Ravi Shastri debuted at the age of 19, Sachin Tendulkar debuted at 16, and Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill both played for the national team at age 18 and 20 respectively. This fast-tracking is done to make maximum use of the talent that such players have.  

Whether it is right or wrong? Is a thing to ponder about! At times the fast-tracking culture results in some amazing batsmen never getting a proper chance. Like Badrinath wasn’t picked because Kohli was fast-tracked. Amol Mazumdar didn’t get a chance because Sachin was in his prime. The same applies to Jammu Express Umran Malik. There certainly is a vacancy in the Indian fast-bowling lineup in the T20Is and Umran does stand a good chance for selection.  

Current Form of Players will be Considered for ICC T20 World Cup Team: 

The current form of players is a crucial factor to be considered while selecting players. There was a big question of why Varun Chakravarthy was picked over Yuzi Chahal in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021! The answer is because Varun had a phenomenal IPL 2021. Varun was on the list of top wicket-takers. His current form was preferred. Vijay Shankar and his current form were preferred and he was chosen over Ambati Rayudu in 2019.  

Fitness of Players will be Considered for ICC T20 World Cup: 

We saw Ravichandran Ashwin getting picked out of the blue for the T20 World Cup 2021. Why was Ashwin picked? Ashwin was picked because he was the only right-arm off-spinner who could trouble left-handers! Washington Sundar was out of contention due to fitness issues and hence he was picked. India also missed T Natarajan in the ICC T20 World Cup at the death. He was also out of the selection process as he was injured.  

To know more go to the official website of the BCCI.