NEW DELHI: India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22 in Kolkata, was announced on Saturday. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side, with spin bowler Axar Patel serving as his deputy.
However, the squad announcement has sparked discussions, particularly over the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.

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Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, delved into these notable omissions and their implications for India’s cricketing plans.

Pant’s exclusion: A generational talent overlooked?
Chopra raised eyebrows at the decision to pick Dhruv Jurel as the backup wicketkeeper while omitting Rishabh Pant. “In the last T20I series [in South Africa], the team had Jitesh Sharma, who didn’t get a game. Now Dhruv Jurel has been selected. Jurel has good temperament and potential, but in T20s, he is yet to make a name. He is picked purely on his potential, but he won’t find a place in the playing XI,” Chopra said.
He expressed surprise at Pant’s absence, calling him a “generational talent” and emphasising his value to the team. “You picked Dhruv Jurel and not Rishabh Pant. That’s very interesting. It’s not like Pant is out of T20I schemes or considered unfit for white-ball cricket. So early in someone’s career, should we make that call? I still believe Pant is an asset, the kind of player we should invest in,” Chopra remarked.
He suggested that clarity from the selectors is vital, especially for experienced players like Pant during transitional phases. “Selectors should provide explanations to players. If not done, it weakens the foundation of the new setup during a transition period,” he added.

Jaiswal’s omission: A missed opportunity?
Chopra also addressed Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion, speculating that he might be in line for the upcoming Champions Trophy. “Yashasvi’s name is missing. I think they are considering him for the Champions Trophy and possibly the three-match ODI series against England. But he could’ve been in the T20I squad,” Chopra said.
He pointed out the competition between Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma for a spot, questioning why the selectors didn’t give Jaiswal a chance. “Abhishek Sharma has already played 11-12 matches but hasn’t scored enough runs or cemented his place. Yashasvi could have been given an opportunity in the playing XI. My question is, has Yashasvi’s time not yet arrived in white-ball cricket?”
Concerns over squad composition
Chopra also critiqued the lack of a third opener in the squad, highlighting potential risks in a five-match series. “Why don’t they pick a third opener? They didn’t select one for the South Africa series either. If one opener falls ill, who will open? Tilak Varma or Washington Sundar? They could have gone for an extra opener,” he questioned.

Eighteen-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius impressed in the SA20 tournament, leading the Paarl Royals to a nine-wicket win over the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. His powerful 97 runs off just 51 balls at Boland Park showcased his potential.
Pretorius, awaiting his Matric results, partnered with former England captain Joe Root. Together, they built a 132-run opening stand.
Pretorius displayed strong pulling and driving skills throughout his innings. The former South Africa U19 player benefited from Root’s experience during his SA20 debut.

Root played a steady innings, scoring an unbeaten 62 off 44 balls, guiding the Royals home after Pretorius was dismissed leg before wicket by Marco Jansen.
This marks the second consecutive defeat for the defending champions, who lost their opening match against MICT at St George’s Park.
Sunrisers captain Aiden Markram found his form, scoring 82 off 49 balls, seemingly putting the Sunrisers in a strong position at the halfway point.
Markram’s innings featured his trademark square drives and powerful hits straight down the ground.
He initially built a 30-run partnership with Tom Abell (20 off 12 balls) after the quick dismissals of openers Zak Crawley (27 off 18 balls) and Jordan Hermann (10 off 11 balls).
A key 102-run partnership off 63 balls between Markram and Tristan Stubbs (28 not out off 26 balls) boosted the Sunrisers’ total to 175/5.
Royals’ teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka took 2 wickets for 35 runs, performing well under pressure in the final over, dismissing both Markram and Marco Jansen. Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman also claimed 2 wickets for 27 runs.
The Royals will now travel to Newlands for the Western Cape derby against MI Cape Town on Monday evening.
The Sunrisers will head to Centurion for their next match against the Pretoria Capitals on Tuesday night.