With the 2022 T20 World Cup scheduled for later this year, India’s T2oI team will be looking to plug any gaps ahead of the three T20Is against West Indies in Kolkata. Four Wisden writers pick the India XI for the first match, on February 16.

The Men in Blue have a number of issues to solve ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year, including finding a reliable finisher in case Hardik Pandya’s rehabilitation and return doesn’t happen in time. They also want to settle in on a spin attack and zero in on a bowler who could partner Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay and at the death.

Four Wisden writers select the India XI for the first T20I against West Indies.

Aadya Sharma, Wisden India editor

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan

Now here’s a lopsided Indian squad: a diverse lot of top-order options, with very little muscle in the middle. Rohit and Kishan open, with Kohli at three and Pant to follow. Surya at five might be too low (difficult to see Iyer fitting too), but there aren’t many combinations that look better on paper. Hooda gets a spot at six: India will need someone to explode there, with Shardul Thakur to follow (Harshal is a good choice, but adding him could make the attack too experimental).

Kuldeep and Chahal reunite – if you have them in your plans for the World Cup, you need to test them properly – with Siraj and Avesh Khan taking the remaining spots. The last name could really make a difference leading up to the Cup eight months from now if given enough chances.

Divy Tripathi, Wisden India staff writer

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi

Given that KL Rahul is not playing, Rohit and Kishan open for me, with Kohli and Pant to follow. Suryakumar will provide the right impetus at number five. Washington Sundar’s injury means that Kuldeep Yadav gets a chance, while I’d like India to continue backing six bowling options.

Venkatesh, then, joins Hooda in the lower middle-order. I would love to see ‘KulCha’ return one day, but feel that Bishnoi deserves a good run in the senior set-up to show his skills. Deepak and Harshal will be my fast bowling options, who can also add crucial runs down the order should the need arise.

Rohit Sankar, Wisden India staff writer

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Deepak Hooda, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Siraj

The top five almost picks themselves, and I have preferred Deepak Hooda ahead of Venkatesh Iyer because he was impressive in the recent ODI series. Deepak Chahar is ahead of Shardul Thakur because of his hitting skills. Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan along with Ravi Bishnoi deserve all the opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Sarah Waris, Wisden India staff writer

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj

The only point of discussion while picking the top five was Shreyas Iyer or Suryakumar, and the latter has been picked because of his ability to get going from ball one. Shreyas almost bats like Rohit and Kohli in the format, and filling the team with anchors isn’t ideal. Venkatesh had been a game-changer in the IPL and deserves a longer rope. He didn’t take a step wrong in the T20Is against New Zealand and should be persisted with. Deepak Chahar over Shardul Thakur because the former is a more reliable bowler and has almost made strides with the bat.

Ravi Bishnoi has immense talent, and the time to test youngsters is now, which is also why Avesh Khan should get all the chances he can ahead of the T20 World Cup. Chahal was decent in the ODIs, and I would want him to get more game time, which would increase his confidence.