The cat is finally out of the bag. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel on Tuesday announced the Team India squad for the T20 World Cup, in the USA & West Indies. As expected, Rohit Sharma will lead the team, while Hardik Pandya will be his deputy. Virat Kohli deservedly finds a spot in the team too as the no. 3 batter, followed by Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant/ Sanju Samson.
Bowling will be taken care of by Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, with Arsheed & Mohammed Siraj. But there’s nothing more left to discuss as far as the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup is concerned. Instead, it is time to look at the neighbours, the Pakistani side, and how will their team shape up.
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup
The Pakistani team has a history of making some very brave selection calls for the ICC trophies. One actually cannot predict correctly, who comes and and who goes out. But there can certainly be an ideal squad for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup. The three senior-most players — Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi make the cut without a second thought.
In the middle-order, it will be Iftikhar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan, while Fakhar Zaman could also be playing at no. 4. Saim Ayub could come in as the reserve opener, while all-rounder Imad Wasim could strengthen the team. Mohammad Amir and Naseem Shah are also all but confirmed with little doubt left over their selection.
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Where the Confusion Lies?
One is not sure if Haris Rauf would be picked in the squad. The pacer has had troubles with the PCB in the past, and also been expensive in the T20Is. In 66 matches, he has 90 wickets, but at an economy of 8.20. That is quite a lot, if an entire career is considered.
The likes of Mohammad Wasim Jr., Asif Ali, and Zaman Khan might also miss out. Of course, Azam Khan is out due to a Grade 1 tear in his right calf muscle.
Statistical View of Potential PAK Team
Skipper Babar scored 569 runs in 11 matches of the PSL 2024 at a strike-rate of 142. Rizwan scored 407 in 12 matches at a strike-rate of 122. Iftikhar Ahmed was more than valuable in the middle-order as he scored 259 at a strike rate of 193. As for the bowlers, Naseem Shah picked 15 wickets in 11 matches, Abrar Ahmed 16 in 10 encounters, and Shadab Khan 12 in 10.
Potential Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf, Agha Salman.
Editors pick
