Atul Wassan Advocates for T20 Specialists in Indian Cricket

Wassan on Gill's Exclusion: A Shift to T20 Specialists

Atul Wassan, a former cricketer for India, has expressed his support for the selectors' decision to omit Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad for the upcoming year. He believes this move signifies a mature approach and a transition towards selecting players who specialize in T20 cricket.

In his remarks regarding Gill's exclusion, Wassan clarified that he does not view it as a dismissal. He stated, "I wouldn't categorize Shubman Gill's situation as being axed. There has been much discussion around this, but it seemed impractical for someone to captain the Test team while participating in all formats. A player must adapt, and that expectation can be unfair today."

Wassan highlighted the increasing demands placed on players who participate in multiple formats, particularly due to the influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He noted, "Let him focus on the IPL. I understand the pressure from franchise owners who want Indian T20 players on their teams, which enhances their market value."

He emphasized the necessity for India to embrace T20 specialists fully. "Thus, I believe Shubman Gill should detach himself from this team, which needs to consist solely of T20 specialists. This is the direction all teams globally are taking. We have a population of 1.4 billion; we can find enough players for this format," he remarked.

Reflecting on India's past challenges, Wassan recalled, "About a year and a half ago, during the T20 World Cup in Australia, eight players were juggling all three formats, which was perplexing. With our vast population, we should have dedicated players for each format. This is why we faced defeat in Australia."

He added, "We recognized that mistake, and now we need to cultivate players specifically suited for T20, who shouldn't feel pressured to prove themselves in longer formats and vice versa."

'Fearless' Mindset and Player-Specific Benefits

Wassan believes that keeping Gill out of T20 internationals could benefit his long-term development. "Shubman Gill will enhance his reputation by being excluded from T20. He is an exceptional player, and I don't want to see him under pressure in T20, struggling to secure his position while also leading the Indian team. This decision reflects maturity," he stated.

When asked if Gill was compelled to alter his natural playing style in T20s, Wassan responded, "No, this is the reality. In Test cricket, a different approach is necessary, but T20 leaves no room for hesitation. A player who is naturally inclined towards T20 can sometimes get bogged down, losing valuable overs because they believe they can recover, but in T20, the game can slip away quickly."

He further emphasized the importance of having fearless players in T20 cricket. "Players should not fear losing their spot and must play at a high level. In T20, even if you face just three balls, you need to go all out. A Test cricketer may struggle to adopt this mindset, and if they fail, criticism follows," Wassan explained.

Supporting Rinku Singh's return, Wassan remarked, "This is a commendable decision. Rinku Singh is the type of player we should invest in. He is fearless and has delivered match-winning performances. In the current scenario, I would prefer him over Gill."

Support for Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan

In defense of Suryakumar Yadav amidst concerns about his form, Wassan stated, "Form is temporary, but class is permanent. Surya has consistently proven himself; he is a remarkable player."

"It seems absurd to question players who excel in other formats, especially someone who has been considered for captaincy for so long. It’s surprising that people would suggest dropping him, given his contributions to the team. I have heard a lot of chatter recently about Gill's absence, but Suryakumar is still here. The selectors have demonstrated maturity," he added.

Wassan expressed that dropping Suryakumar would have been a backward step. "It would have been embarrassing if Suryakumar Yadav had been excluded, as that would have taken us back to outdated practices in Indian cricket. Those days are behind us; we are now more mature, and our cricketing ecosystem is well-established," he noted.

Regarding Ishan Kishan's inclusion, Wassan praised the decision. "Fantastic! I believe he has returned from a challenging period, and I’m not sure what transpired in the West Indies after his exclusion. This is common in Indian cricket; there’s often a lot of noise surrounding players. We must respect that every player has their unique personality," he said.

He concluded that Kishan earned his comeback, stating, "He is a talented player who had to work hard to return. I am genuinely impressed, and he has the potential to be a match-winner for us."

'Best Selection Ever': Wassan on Squad Depth and Balance

Discussing the batting lineup, which includes players like Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Kishan, Wassan remarked, "I’m not overly concerned about the batting order at this moment. The T20 game follows a specific template. If a player faces the new ball and two wickets fall early, the next player must adapt accordingly. All these players understand their roles well."

He also pointed out the squad's depth, stating, "The role of finishers has become crucial, and now we have players like Axar Patel, who bowls effectively and has been appointed vice-captain. This is excellent. Players who have performed and contributed have been recognized, showcasing the selectors' maturity. I believe this is the best selection ever for any Indian team," Wassan concluded.