India’s first match in the tournament will be against Australia in Chennai on October 8, followed by a clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on October 15 in Ahmedabad.
“Currently, Salil Ankola is in the West Indies but he will return after the test series ends. Ajit will join the team before the start of the cue ball stage,” a BCCI source familiar with the matter told PTI. under conditions of anonymity. Following his appointment as the chairman of the selection committee, Agarkar has yet to meet personally with the team’s management. His upcoming visit to the West Indies presents an opportunity to collaborate and devise a comprehensive plan for India’s strategy in the upcoming 50+ World Cup.
Aligning the goals of the team management and the selection committee is crucial, particularly in identifying the top 20 players who will form the basis of India’s World Cup campaign. In addition, they will address concerns around player fitness and workload management.
Discussions between the president of selectors and team management will also include defining a transition plan for the team’s future efforts.
One of the focal points of these discussions will be the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and his availability for the three-match T20 series in Ireland. It has been noted that the National Cricket Academy’s sports science and medical unit has yet to issue a Return to Play (RTP) certificate for the Ahmedabad-based fast bowler.
Meanwhile, VVS Laxman will take over coaching duties for the tour to Ireland. This arrangement allows Dravid to rest, considering the limited turnaround time between tours of the West Indies and Ireland.
While there are no hard and fast rules in this regard, it has become customary for the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to take on the role of manager for second-string tours or ‘A’ series. Previously, Dravid fulfilled this responsibility and now Laxman fills that role.
(AI image)