As the countdown to the highly anticipated T20 World Cup begins, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the Indian squad that will embark on the quest for glory. One of the game’s most celebrated icons, Yuvraj Singh, who was a part of the victorious Indian team in the inaugural edition in 2007, has shared his vision for the ideal Indian lineup for the upcoming tournament.
Yuvraj’s preferences for the top order
Yuvraj’s picks for the top of the order come as no surprise, as he has opted for a combination that has proven its mettle on the international stage. “I think Rohit (Sharma) and (Yashasvi) Jaiswal should definitely open,” the stylish left-hander asserted, acknowledging the dynamic duo’s ability to set the tone for the innings.
Continuing his preference for a left-right batting combination, Yuvraj has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli to occupy the crucial No. 3 position, a role he has made his own in recent years. “Virat (Kohli) has been batting at No.3 and that’s his position,” Yuvraj affirmed, recognizing the former captain’s peerless track record in the format.
Yuvraj’s pick for the crucial no. 4 spot
Shifting his focus to the middle order, Yuvraj has identified Suryakumar Yadav as the ideal candidate for the No. 4 spot, a position that has often been a source of debate in the Indian setup. “And then you get Surya (Yadav) at four,” Yuvraj stated, highlighting the dynamic batsman’s ability to dominate the opposition and seize control of the game.
Yuvraj’s preference for a left-right combination
Consistent with his preference for a left-right batting combination, Yuvraj has leaned towards Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson for the vital wicket-keeper’s role. “I’d probably go for Rishabh,” Yuvraj said, acknowledging the left-hander’s “massive potential to win games for India” on the big stage.
Yuvraj’s Backing for the Struggling Hardik Pandya
Despite concerns surrounding the form of vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who has struggled to find his batting rhythm in the Indian Premier League, Yuvraj remains optimistic about the all-rounder’s impact at the upcoming T20 World Cup. “I think his bowling is going to be important, and his fitness is going to be important. And I think he might do something really special in this World Cup,” Yuvraj asserted, expressing confidence in Pandya’s ability to deliver when it matters most.
Yuvraj’s praise for Shivam Dube’s inclusion
Yuvraj was pleased to see Shivam Dube’s inclusion in the Indian squad, acknowledging the all-rounder’s impressive performances in the IPL. “I just felt the kind of form he’s in, it was important for him to be in the squad. I really think he can make a huge difference in the middle order or the lower middle order,” Yuvraj noted, highlighting Dube’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
Yuvraj’s Sympathy for Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill’s Exclusion
While Yuvraj was delighted with the overall composition of the Indian squad, he expressed sympathy for the exclusion of Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill, who were relegated to the reserve list. “It was a bit unfortunate for Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh,” Yuvraj said, acknowledging the impressive performances of these young talents and their potential to make an impact in the future.
Yuvraj’s praise for Yuzvendra Chahal’s comeback
Yuvraj was also pleased to see the return of Yuzvendra Chahal to the Indian T20I setup, recognizing the leg-spinner’s recent success in the IPL. “It was nice to see Yuzvendra Chahal in the squad, because he’s been bowling really well,” Yuvraj said, highlighting the importance of having experienced spin options in the team, especially as the World Cup progresses.
Yuvraj’s Assessment of the Bowling Attack
Yuvraj was also impressed with the depth and variety in the Indian bowling attack, which includes the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. “We have Jasprit (Bumrah), (Mohammed) Siraj, we have the experience with Arshdeep (Singh) as well. So looks like a really strong side but we have to prove it,” Yuvraj noted, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to deliver on the big stage.
India’s challenging Group Stage fixtures
As the Indian team prepares to embark on their T20 World Cup campaign, they will face a formidable challenge in the group stage, with matches against Ireland, Pakistan, the USA, and Canada. Yuvraj acknowledged the significance of these fixtures, recognizing the need for the team to be at their absolute best to secure a spot in the Super 12 stage.
The Quest for T20 World Cup Glory
India’s last triumph in the T20 World Cup came in 2007, when Yuvraj was a member of the victorious squad. The former all-rounder is desperate to see the team lift the trophy again, and he believes the current crop of players has the potential to achieve this feat. “I think they might do something really special in this World Cup,” Yuvraj said, echoing the hopes and aspirations of millions of Indian cricket fans.
