With the Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup to be announced soon, former players are weighing in on their picks. One such opinion comes from Irfan Pathan, who has selected a 15-member squad that includes some surprising choices.
Results for: T20 World Cup 2024
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticized the Indian selection committee for repeatedly overlooking Sanju Samson, who has been in excellent form in the IPL. Tharoor believes that Samson deserves a place in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has also backed Samson for a spot in the team. Samson is currently the fifth highest scorer in the IPL with 314 runs from 8 matches and has been a key performer for the Rajasthan Royals. His consistent performance has also earned him praise from former Australia cricketer Aaron Finch. Tharoor has been a vocal supporter of Samson and has previously questioned the selectors’ decision to exclude him from the 50-over World Cup squad in 2023.
Former all-rounder Suresh Raina and commentator Simon Doull have endorsed Shivam Dube’s selection for the Indian T20 World Cup 2024 squad based on his impressive performance for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024. Dube’s blistering half-century against Lucknow Super Giants, which included 10 boundaries, propelled CSK to a commanding total. With over 1000 runs in IPL, Dube has demonstrated his batting prowess. Doull believes Dube outperforms Hardik Pandya, who has faced criticism for his performance with Mumbai Indians, in terms of batting ability.
Former West Indies bowling all-rounder Sunil Narine has extinguished hopes of a return to international cricket for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, despite his impressive performances in the IPL 2024. Narine last represented West Indies in August 2019 and retired in November last year, focusing on franchise cricket worldwide. Despite attempts to convince him to reverse his decision, Narine remains firm in his retirement stance.
Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to form for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a stylish century against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 22. The youngster has struggled at the opening spot for RR in recent matches but adopted a measured approach against MI, hitting the ball through the ground. Senior MI batter and India captain Rohit Sharma praised Jaiswal’s innings, and Jaiswal himself credited Sharma and Virat Kohli for their support. Jaiswal’s performance has put him in contention for the openers’ spot in the T20 World Cup 2024. He will face competition from Shubman Gill, and if the selectors opt for only three openers, Jaiswal may have to sit out the tournament.
Australia and Delhi Capitals (DC) opener David Warner believes that teams will require a reliable anchor in the batting lineup for the T20 World Cup 2024, which will be played on slow and turning pitches in the Caribbean. Warner cited the example of Virat Kohli, who has successfully played this role for India for many years.
Former spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Sanju Samson should be selected for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad and groomed as the future T20I captain after Rohit Sharma. He praised Samson’s consistent performance as Rajasthan Royals’ captain and lauded Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century against Mumbai Indians.
Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch believes Indian star Virat Kohli should bat at the No. 3 position in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Finch praised Kohli as one of the greatest white-ball players at that position and wants him to continue in that role. Kohli, who is currently holding the Orange Cap in IPL 2024, has been in excellent form opening the batting for RCB. However, in T20Is for India, he typically bats at No. 3 and the decision for his position in the World Cup will be a key consideration for the team’s management.