The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled its squad for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge as the team captain. India’s quest for the elusive T20 World Cup trophy will be spearheaded by Sharma’s leadership and the collective prowess of the talented squad.
Shivam Dube’s impressive form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) made it difficult for the selectors to overlook him, and he retained his place in the squad after featuring in the recent T20I series against Afghanistan. The 30-year-old has been in scintillating form for the Chennai Super Kings, amassing 350 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 172.41.
India has opted for a spin-heavy bowling lineup, consisting of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal, while the pace battery will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, with the support of Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and vice-captain Hardik Pandya.
There were no surprises in the selection of the batters, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav all expected to shore up the top order alongside captain Rohit. Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh can consider themselves unlucky to only find a place among the reserves, along with pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.
Ahead of the squad announcement, intense speculation surrounded the wicketkeeper selection, with numerous contenders vying for the coveted role. In a strategic move, BCCI has placed its trust in the capable hands of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, entrusting them with the responsibility of donning the gloves.
Pant’s inclusion in the squad marks a significant milestone, as it signifies his triumphant return to international cricket after a near-fatal accident in December 2022 that sidelined him for over a year. His resilience and determination have been rewarded, and fans eagerly await his comeback on the grand stage.
A notable absence from India’s list is that of KL Rahul, who was part of India’s last two T20 World Cup campaigns in 2021 and 2022.
With a well-rounded squad brimming with talent and experience, India’s hopes of clinching the coveted T20 World Cup trophy rest on the shoulders of the charismatic Rohit Sharma. His leadership, coupled with the team’s collective prowess, promises an exhilarating campaign as they embark on their quest for glory.
As the tournament approaches, the nation’s anticipation builds, and all eyes will be on the Indian contingent as they strive to etch their names in the annals of cricketing history by claiming the elusive T20 World Cup title.
India are placed in Group A of the tournament alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and co-hosts USA. Their campaign begins on 5 June against Ireland before they take on Pakistan in one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan
