Plenty to ponder for selectors
Most of the squad picks itself after India's triumphant T20 World Cup in June, but there are a few big questions:
Should Test stars Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both fine T20 players, be slotted in—risking a break in the settled line-up?
Who will don the finisher's role?
Should selectors go with an extra spinning all-rounder or a third specialist seamer?
Spinning Options
Given UAE's slow pitches, spinners will play a crucial role.
Axar Patel (vice-captain, improved batting),
Varun Chakravarthy (mystery spinner), and
Kuldeep Yadav (wrist spin threat)
are near-certainties.
The debate is whether to add Washington Sundar, a handy all-rounder who can bowl in the PowerPlay and bat as a floater. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is fond of Sundar, which may tilt the decision in his favour.
Middle-Order and Finisher Role
The middle order looks settled with Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. The finisher's role, however, is open.
Rinku Singh struggled against England earlier this year (39 runs in 3 innings).
Jitesh Sharma, who had a strong IPL for RCB, could be preferred as a wicketkeeper-finisher.
Gambhir, however, may still back Rinku for another chance.
There's also buzz about Shreyas Iyer's return to T20s after a superb IPL with Punjab Kings. His experience against spin and big-match temperament make him a strong candidate.
Fast Bowling
Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are locks.
The third pacer's slot will likely be between Prasidh Krishna (Purple Cap winner with 25 wickets) and Harshit Rana.
Prasidh's packed schedule with upcoming Tests might push selectors to go with Rana to keep him fresh.
Likely India Squad (15)
Suryakumar Yadav (capt)
Sanju Samson (wk)
Abhishek Sharma
Tilak Varma
Hardik Pandya
Shivam Dube
Rinku Singh / Shreyas Iyer
Axar Patel (vc)
Varun Chakravarthy
Kuldeep Yadav
Washington Sundar / Ravi Bishnoi
Jitesh Sharma (wk) / Dhruv Jurel (wk)
Jasprit Bumrah
Arshdeep Singh
Harshit Rana / Prasidh Krishna
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