How India's T20 World Cup squad is shaping up

Middle order

Virat Kohli

Certainties

Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer

Virat Kohli is going to be key, both as captain and batsman, for India's chances at the T20 World Cup. Kohli loves to play on Australian pitches where the ball comes on to the bat quite well. The Indian captain boasts a fabulous record Down Under.

Shreyas Iyer has made quite a statement post the World Cup 2019. The Mumbai batsman has showcased his hitting ability in both ODI and T20 cricket. His aggressive batting, especially against spin bowling, makes him a front-runner for a place in the middle order.

Shreyas Iyer

Contenders

Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav

Manish Pandey has been in the Indian squad for a long time without getting much game-time. However, he has been in good form in domestic cricket, and has done reasonably well in the few opportunities presented to him.

The selectors will also have an eye on Suryakumar Yadav. Yadav was in sensational form in the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy and if he can have a good IPL, he might get a look-in.

The dark horse

Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana has given glimpses of his talent in the IPL but hasn't really set the stage on fire. That said, with his ability to chip in with some useful overs with the ball, Rana can be a contender for a place in the middle order.

Verdict

Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey

With the selectors strongly backing Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey, it is highly likely that they will be preferred in the final 15.