Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has unveiled his India playing 11 for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which includes some notable surprises. Notably, the former India batter has omitted Hardik Pandya from his India T20 WC playing 11.
Since taking over as the captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya has encountered a series of setbacks. His performance slump, both with the bat and ball, has led to mounting criticism from fans. Pandya was previously considered a certainty in India’s T20 World Cup team as an all-rounder, but his ongoing struggles in IPL 2024 have led to fans calling him ineligible for selection.
Sehwag asserted that while Hardik Pandya will likely make it to India’s T20 World Cup 2024 15-member squad, the role of finisher in playing 11 could be fulfilled by either Rinku Singh or Shivam Dube. In what comes as a surprise pick, Sehwag has included in-form Sandeep Sharma of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in his lineup.
The opening partnership features Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Virat Kohli maintains his usual spot at No. 3, while Suryakumar Yadav retains his position at No. 4. Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant has made a comeback in the middle and lower order. For the finisher’s role, either Rinku Singh or Shivam Dubey will slot in at number 6.
Ravindra Jadeja, the spin bowling batting all-rounder occupies a position in the lower order as well. In Sehwag’s team, Kuldeep Yadav secures a spot as the spinner, while the pace bowling trio consists of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Sandeep Sharma. Sandeep Sharma’s inclusion in the lineup is justified by his outstanding performance in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, earning him a deserved spot in the squad.
