BCCI is reportedly planning a major change in its T20 strategy. The board is looking to build a pool of 30 to 35 players so India can field two competitive teams at the same time.
With the IPL regularly producing match-ready players, selectors now have the depth to think beyond a fixed squad. This move comes as India prepares for a busy international calendar with overlapping assignments.
One such challenge may arrive later this year when the Asian Games coincides with a T20I series against the West Indies cricket team. Managing both schedules will require greater squad depth.
To handle this, the board is working on maintaining a larger group of players ready for selection at any time. Reports suggest the upcoming Ireland tour could be the first step in this plan.
A bigger squad is likely to be selected for the Ireland series. The same approach may continue through the Asian Games and other future assignments.
India is also scheduled to face the Afghanistan national cricket team in a three-match T20I series later this year. This adds further workload to an already packed calendar.
The IPL has played a major role in widening the talent pool. Young batters like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Priyansh Arya and Angkrish Raghuvanshi have impressed with their aggressive style.
Players such as Rajat Patidar and Ayush Badoni are also being closely monitored. Their recent performances have strengthened their chances for future T20 opportunities.
Among all-rounders, Shashank Singh and Anukul Roy are seen as flexible options. In bowling, Ravi Bishnoi remains a key name along with Khaleel Ahmed, Prasidh Krishna, Ashok Sharma and Kartik Tyagi.
For the wicketkeeper role, Dhruv Jurel is among the leading contenders. Current discussions also suggest Shreyas Iyer could captain one of the T20 sides.
With cricket now part of global multi-sport events and also set for the Olympics, squad depth has become more important than ever. BCCI now appears focused on building strength beyond a fixed playing XI.
