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After the ongoing IPL 2026, the Indian selectors have a daunting task ahead of them as the Board of Control for Cricket in India plans to build a strong pool comprising 30-35 players who have impressed the most in the league so far. The idea behind creating the pool is to field two competing T20 teams at the same time. According to a report by NDTV, it is unlikely that a single T20I squad will represent the two teams in overlapping international commitments later this year. Interestingly, the Asian Games clashes with the T20 series against the West Indies.
The report further said that the change could come ahead of India’s upcoming tour of Ireland.
“The Asian Games and the India vs West Indies T20 series will be held at the same time. So we have to look at two T20 teams playing. From now on, it is important to have a pool of 30-35 cricketers who can be called up for international duty. For the upcoming Ireland tour, like most tours to the UK, a larger pool of players will be retained in the squad. This will extend for the Asian Games,” a BCCI official said NDTV quoted.
The upcoming tour of Ireland is expected to serve as a testing ground. Tours of this type have been used in the past to test fringe players. This tour could now include a broader team, reflecting the long-term strategy of a larger talent base spanning the entire Asian Games. India will also face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series in September, although the tournament schedule has not been finalized yet.
Shreyas Iyer is appointed captain
The names evaluated illustrate the increasing impact of the IPL. In the batting sector, players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Priyansh Arya and Angkrish Raghuvanshi have impressed the selectors with their adventurous shots. Players like Rajat Patidar and Ayush Badoni will also be considered for selection.
The all-rounder position, often essential to T20 balance, can provide opportunities for athletes like Shashank Singh and Anukul Roy, who offer versatility and flexibility.
Bowling has a mix of young talent and experienced players. Ravi Bishnoi remains a prominent player in white-ball cricket while Khaleel Ahmed (subject to availability), Prasidh Krishna, Ashok Sharma and Kartik Tyagi provide them with fast bowling options.
Dhruv Jurel is one of the leading candidates to don the wicketkeeping gloves. One team is likely to be led by Shreyas Iyer, who captains the Punjab Kings.
Shreyas Iyer as captain, why?
The 31-year-old has repeatedly demonstrated his qualities as a captain. Last year’s IPL runners-up Punjab Kings have been in great form this year too. They are currently the only undefeated team in the tournament with five wins in six games, with one of their games ending in a result due to rain. PBKS leads the IPL 2026 points table with a solid net run rate of +1,420.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Believe’ show, Shreyas Iyer said, “This year, the manifestation is to win the IPL. I just want to tell the world that I want to lift the trophy. There will be baby steps to reach that stage. It will definitely take a team effort and everyone has to think in that direction; only then can you achieve it,” Iyer said.
Read also: GT vs MI Prediction: Will Jasprit Bumrah finally take a wicket in today’s IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Giants at the Narendra Modi Stadium?
