India have so much talent that it could field two teams. So, here is my 15 who can make another T20 World Cup outfit…

India’s Shubman Gill (left) and Ruturaj Gaikwad during the ODI against Australia in Mohali on September 22, 2023. Pic/Getty Images

Ajit Agarkar & Co had an unenviable task to pick the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.

Inevitably, there will be debates and sob stories, but then, the T20 WC is held every two years so the there’s-always-next-time consolation is for real. India have so much talent that it could field two WC teams, in fantasy cricket, of course. So here is my second team of 15.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain): The skipper of India’s gold medal-winning team at last October’s Asian Games, has led CSK well this season after MS Dhoni handed over charge. He has been in sublime form at the top of the order and his scores in the last six games read 67*, 69, 17, 108*, 98 and 62.

Shubman Gill (vice-captain): The GT captain has not set the rivers on fire with big scores in this edition of the IPL but he hasn’t been in poor form either. He is young but experienced and his ability can never be played down.

KL Rahul: Being an accomplished all-format player, the Bangalore batsman-wicketkeeper becomes a vital player in the alternate pack. Apart from his player of the match innings of 82 against CSK on April 19, he has led LSG to victory over the defending champions twice this season. Not many IPL........

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