The Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2021 is quite a settled unit. There are a few spots that are up for grabs. But the problem with the selectors is that they are spoilt for options. The pandemic-affected world has given teams the option of having a jumbo squad of players. Players who could be surprise package for Team India

Normally in any ICC event, teams have a squad of 15 players and 4 reserves. But for T20 World Cup 2021, expect sides to go in with 22-24 players with few additional reserves. The Indian team picks itself and almost 15-16 names are guaranteed a spot. But there are few certain spots that might merit a couple of surprises.

We look at 5 Indian players who could be surprise package to the T20 World Cup squad:

#5 Chetan Sakariya

players who could be surprise package for Team India. Chetan Sakariya has impressed everyone with his skill and temperament. He is someone who isn’t afraid of getting hit. Sakariya possesses the ability to come back strong on the next ball. He has wonderful variations up his sleeve and he uses them cleverly. Sakariya has already shown a glimpse of his potential during the ongoing Sri Lanka series. India lacks a quality left-arm seamer and in Natarajan’s likely absence, Sakariya might be called up for the World Cup.

#4 Rahul Tewatia

India’s squad in Sri Lanka has been severely dented owing to COVID-19. They are just left with 5 frontline batsmen. Bhuvneshwar Kumar walking in at number 6 has not gone down well with fans. It is here where a player like Rahul Tewatia would have come in handy. His ability to strike the ball would have given India an ideal number 6. Tewatia is a smart operator with the ball too. He is a player in the lines of Wanindu Hasaranga. Don’t rule out his inclusion in the World Cup squad.

#3 Kuldeep Yadav

The race for a spot in India’s playing XI is heating up with every passing day. Not so long ago, in fact not before yesterday’s T20I game that Kuldeep Yadav was anywhere near the selection radar. He was coming off an all-time career low. Yadav was not part of India’s first XI in the T20Is even. But Yadav yesterday put in a splendid performance to send out a reminder showing the people his worth. His chinaman bowling ability is such a rarity in the modern-day sport. He will be eager to put in another impressive performance that might help him land a spot in the World Cup squad.

#2 Ravichandran Ashwin

 Washington Sundar was India’s go-to finger spinner in T20Is. Sundar to his credit did exceedingly well in all the opportunities he got. But a finger injury has cut short his England tour. If Sundar doesn’t get fit in the time ahead of the World Cup, it opens up an opportunity for his state-mate, Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin will shore up the batting order and provide the necessary batting depth.

He will be more than handy on tracks in the UAE as he showcased in IPL 2020. Ashwin can probably be the key while playing sides like West Indies who boast 4 explosive left-handers in their top 7. It will be a wise move to include him in the squad.

#1 Prithvi Shaw

If there is one player who has maximised his chances of grabbing a spot in the T20 World Cup through the Sri Lanka tour is Prithvi Shaw. Shaw’s method to madness has thrilled cricketing purists and fans. His ability to tonk balls right from the word go comes in like a breath of fresh air. It’s this approach that separates him from other contenders who focus on sedate starts and explosive finishes. Shaw definitely has a realistic chance of making it to India’s T20 World Cup squad.

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