T20 World Cup: Ajit Agarkar, Rohit Sharma set to meet informally in Delhi ahead of squad announcement

The Chairman of the national selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, is set to meet with skipper Rohit Sharma in New Delhi to discuss the potential 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup in the USA, PTI reported on Saturday. The formal announcement is scheduled for May 1 in Mumbai, aligning with the ICC event's cut-off date.

Agarkar's presence at Saturday's IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals offers an opportunity for an informal discussion with Rohit, providing clarity before the final team selection.

While most positions in the squad are straightforward, the focus remains on Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness.

If Pandya is included, it leaves room for only one among Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh. KL Rahul seems to have secured his place, distancing himself from competitor Sanju Samson, favored by the current coaching setup led by Rahul Dravid.

Expectations lean towards conservative selections, with Mumbai Indians' Tilak Varma emerging as a potential wildcard option, given his left-handed batting flair and off-spin bowling ability.

However, uncertainties loom over the selection of the third spinner, with Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi vying for the spot.

Interestingly, reports suggest that Yuzvendra Chahal, despite being India's premier white-ball wrist spinner, may not be a preferred choice for a key member of the coaching staff, influencing selection decisions.

(With inputs from PTI)