Krunal Pandya set for debut: BCCI announces team for 1st T20I

All-rounder Krunal Pandya will be making his debut for India in T20 internationals as BCCI has named him in the 12-member team for the first T20I against Windies.

Krunal to play the all-rounder’s role at number seven 

Hardilk Pandya played the role of the all-rounder for India in the recent times bringing much needed balance in the team. However an injury has ruled him out and since then India are looking for someone to fill that role.

India's 12 for the 1st T2OI against Windies. #TeamIndia

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 3, 2018

Ravindra Jadeja was roped in for the ODIs to play at number seven but for the T20s, the team management has decided to test young blood and have brought in left-hander Krunal.

Krunal has been highly effective in the IPL for Mumbai Indians. His left-arm spin is handy especially in the shortest format of the game where batsmen look for big hits and with the bat, he has the ability to clear the ropes in pressure situation.

Rahul at 3, Pant, Pandey, and Karthik form the middle order

The team management has decided to rest skipper Virat Kohli for this series which means opening batsman Rohit Sharma leads the team while KL Rahul will occupy the number three position.

Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant who are competing for a spot in India’s ODI team will form India’s middle-order. It should be noted that youngster Pant is India’s designated wicket-keeper while Karthik is playing as a batsman.

Rohit to make a call on bowling department 

The only question Rohit will have to answer before the toss is about his bowling combination. There are three seamers in the 12-member team including Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Khaleel Ahmed.

Back at the team hotel after an early wrap and it is time to celebrate.? #TeamIndia #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/qW7mtAoXgq

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 1, 2018

Plus Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the two spin options. With Krunal’s left-arm spin available, it will be interesting to see whether Rohit goes with three spinners or three pacers.  So tomorrow, it might be a call between Khaleel and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Also read: Five records at stake as India takes on Windies in 1st T20 international

And if Rohit wants the cushion of three seamers and three spinners then he will have to drop one of the middle-order batsmen which is a big gamble.