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Xtra Time Web Desk: Concerns loom over Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness, with selectors monitoring his recovery closely. The dilemma between including Pandya or opting for alternatives like Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh intensifies as the tournament draws near.

The selection conundrum extends to balancing power-hitters and top-order stability. With limited flexibility due to the top order's one-dimensional nature, tough decisions lie ahead for selectors, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's positions seemingly secure.

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The IPL's Impact Player rule complicates matters, hindering the assessment of potential seam-bowling allrounders like Dube. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja's all-round capabilities position him as a likely starter, potentially edging out Axar Patel in the XI.

In the absence of injured Mohammed Shami, identifying fast-bowling partners for Jasprit Bumrah remains a challenge. Arshdeep Singh's new-ball prowess and Avesh Khan's attributes add depth to the discussion, while uncertainties persist over other contenders' fitness levels.

With the squad selection nearing completion, selectors face the delicate task of balancing form, fitness, and experience to field a competitive unit for the T20 World Cup campaign.

India's likely T20 World Cup squad:

Top order: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav

Middle and lower-middle order: Sanju Samson (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh

Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav

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Fast bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan/Mohammed Siraj

Other contenders: KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma