India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad selection has stirred debate, with the return of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli raising eyebrows. Here’s why it’s a significant gamble.
BCCI sticking with familiar
Despite a 2022 World Cup semi-final exit, India opted for continuity. Eight players from that squad return, with injuries sidelining Jasprit Bumrah (2022) and Mohammed Shami (2024).
Notably, all prominent players from 2022, except KL Rahul, are retained. This suggests a similar playing XI with minor tweaks.
U-Turn after experimentation ft India Cricket Team
India spent 2023 building a T20-specific team. Players like Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant were trialed as openers, while the middle order saw experimentation with Tilak Verma, Rinku Singh, and Sanju Samson.
This focus on power-hitting and left-handed batsmen aligned with global trends.
The Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli conundrum
However, a January 2024 U-turn saw the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the T20I series against Afghanistan. This decision prioritized experience over recent experimentation. While both players boast exceptional records, their T20 strike rates have been a concern.
Kohli’s best IPL strike rate ever (147.49) came this season, and Rohit’s current form (160.31) includes an unbeaten 105, raising questions about consistency.
Leap of faith for Top Order
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli likely occupying the top three, India risks predictability. Opponents won’t fear them in the powerplay, and their effectiveness against spinners becomes a question mark.
This gamble rests on both players replicating their recent IPL intent on a bigger stage.
More on Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma:
Did Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli earn spots?
The core question remains: Did Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli truly earn their World Cup spots based on recent T20 form? This gamble by the selectors will be tested in June when the World Cup kicks off. Only then will we know if experience trumps current form for India.
India T20 World Cup squad
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), 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, Mohamed Siraj.
Editors pick
