BCCI recently announced the 15-member squad that will play in the T20 World Cup 2021, starting October 17 in UAE and Oman. The team had notable inclusions and exclusions that surprised everyone and sparked debates.
However, there is room to make amends in the selection till October 10 based on performances in the second half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag named Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson and Devdutt Padikkal as the players to watch out for at IPL 2021.
“My first choice will be Ishan Kishan followed by Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. These four I will be intently watching. I have loved Devdutt's batting and if I have to pick one amongst the four, he is my man,” Sehwag told PTI.
The former opener said that if Padikkal has a staggering second-leg of IPL 2021, he could make into Team India’s World Cup squad.
“Who knows, if he does well, he might be drafted in as that Indian top-order for the T20 World Cup,” he added.
"100%. We have around seven matches minimum left for the teams. That means you still have a platform to perform and those who are on the fringes could still impress the Indian selectors who would be watching the tournament closely.
"Since ICC allows a window to change teams, I will not be surprised if there are some changes in the original squad," said Sehwag.
Padikkal smashed 473 runs in 15 matches in his debut season for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020. He continued his form into the domestic season and IPL 2021, where he scored his maiden IPL century against Rajasthan Royals. The opener also made his ODI and T20I debuts in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
(with PTI inputs)
