Sourav Ganguly backed Team India’s decision to pick four spinners for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the US beginning on June 4.

The left-arm spin trio of all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal were selected by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for the T20 showpiece. Sourav felt the decision to include four tweakers was the right one given the conditions in the Caribbean.

“It was right to pick four spinners, because they are playing in the West Indies, where the pitches will be slow and low and there will be turn as well. Besides, with bigger grounds there, spinners will be important,” the former India captain and ex-president of the BCCI said on the sidelines of the unveiling of the Cricket Association of Bengal-conceptualised Bengal Pro T20 League at a city hotel on Friday.

Accommodating a fourth spinner could be the reason why Rinku Singh found no place in the squad and will have to be among the reserves, Sourav said. “I think they wanted to go with another spinner. Maybe that’s why he (Rinku) didn’t get selected. But having said that, it’s just the beginning for Rinku,” Sourav stated.

The selection of keeper-batter Sanju Samson as well as that of medium-pacer all-rounder Shivam Dube was a correct call as well, Sourav believes. “I’m very happy to see Sanju Samson too in the team. Also, Dube’s inclusion adds strength.”

Sourav, however, doesn’t want to read much into Virat Kohli’s strike rate, which has been a topic of debate in the ongoing IPL. “No problem at all... Kohli is a great player, that’s all. He’ll be fine,” Sourav said.

According to Sourav, Rohit Sharma and Co. will be able to prove themselves as the best side in the competition. “India are a very strong team and I’m sure they will prove so in the West Indies and in America,” Sourav emphasised.

What would be his advice to Rohit and his teammates? “Go and play freely. Just hit the ball.”

Talking about the CAB T20 league, set to begin from June 11, Sourav is optimistic of it producing players who will go on to be noticed by the IPL franchises. Kolkata Royal Tigers, Harbour Diamonds, Medinipur Wizards, Siliguri Strikers, Rarh Tigers, Howrah Warriors, Malda Smashers and Murshidabad Kings are the participating teams.

At the trophy unveiling ceremony where Bengal chief coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla and several other former players — even tennis legend Leander Paes — were present, conspicious by his absence was state bowling coach Shib Shankar Paul. When contacted, Paul said he wasn’t invited.