India, the 2007 T20 World Cup champions, have navigated the first stage of the 2024 tournament without any setbacks, topping Group A. However, the Super 8 phase presents a different challenge, beginning with a clash against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thursday. While India’s bowling has stepped up in time to secure three crucial victories, the batting performance has been less convincing in the challenging conditions of New York. Despite remaining unbeaten, India’s average score in the group stage stands at 109, with their last match against Canada washed out without a single ball bowled. Notably, the new opening pair of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma has struggled to provide a strong start, managing only 35 runs for the first wicket across three innings. Kohli, who usually bats at number three and averages nearly 54 in T20Is, has scored just 1, 4, and 0 runs in the group stage.
The shift in venue from the USA to the Caribbean Islands, known for their higher scoring rates, necessitates a more stable top order for India. One possible solution is the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener alongside Rohit, allowing Kohli to return to his preferred number three position. This left-right combination of Jaiswal and Rohit has proved effective on West Indies pitches during India’s previous tour for the red-ball series. However, such an aggressive pairing could lead to Shivam Dube’s exclusion from the lineup.
Another potential adjustment involves the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, considering the slow decks in the West Indies. Spinners have played a vital role in controlling scoring rates in Barbados, while pacers have been more successful in taking wickets. Kuldeep’s inclusion would require Rohit and the team management to re-evaluate the lineup. Ravindra Jadeja, who hasn’t contributed with the bat or the ball so far in this World Cup, might be replaced by Kuldeep, particularly considering Mohammed Siraj’s recent form. This would allow Rohit to retain Jadeja for his experience in big matches. Nevertheless, it’s highly likely that Rohit Sharma, who favors stability and minimal changes during tournaments, might choose to field an unchanged XI for the Super 8 opener.
