A little over a month ago, there were doubts as to whether he would be able to play in the ongoing Indian Premier League. Now, just a few days before the selection of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, Rishabh Pant may be in serious contention for a leadership role in the side.

The national selectors, who are likely to meet on May 1, are expected to consider re-appointing Pant as vice-captain of India, a position he had held before being forced into a long injury hiatus after a near-fatal accident in December 2022.

Pant had even captained India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa in June 2022. For the record, he will be India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup in June.

However, an elevation for Pant is not going to be a straightforward decision, especially with Hardik Pandya being another potential contender. What could be tilting the scales in favour of the Delhi Capitals skipper is Pandya's failure to galvanise the Mumbai Indians side in the IPL. Some of his questionable decisions as captain and his public criticism of a teammate after a recent defeat are unlikely to have gone unnoticed.

That said, Pandya's credentials as an India skipper cannot be overlooked. He was designated vice-captain for the World Cup last year. Pandya's ability to bowl at a reasonable pace is definitely working in his favour and his position in the squad may be assured, but whether the leadership role can be entrusted to him will be debated.

Among other selection issues, the top order will consist of skipper Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The middle order will feature Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja. One or both of Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh will be there, along with either Sanju Samson or KL Rahul.

Kuldeep Yadav will occupy the specialist spinner's position, and Axar Patel may edge out Ravi Bishnoi for the other spinner's position. It is unlikely that Yuzvendra Chahal, the highest wicket-taker in the IPL, will be considered.

The pacers who are certain to be included are Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. There is an impression that the IPL has not exactly produced quality Indian pacers, which may bring Sandeep Sharma into the mix.

Sandeep, who has impressed with his slow-medium pace for the Rajasthan Royals, could be effective on the slow pitches expected in the US and West Indies. It will be up to skipper Rohit to decide whether to include a fourth specialist pacer, especially with Pandya in the squad and whether to consider Shubman Gill.