Everything About India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Selection Explained

The Board of Cricket Council for India unveiled India’s much-awaited 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 before the deadline. The BCCI secretary Jay Shah had a meeting with the senior selection committee, and the former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar to announce the 15-members of the Indian team and 4 travelling reserves.

As all of us expected, there were a few notable omissions, but the selectors steered clear of any surprise picks. Before we move to the good and bads of the World Cup squad, here is a quick glimpse of the composition of the squad.

Senior campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made it to the 15 along with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. There were no real surprises in middle order as Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and comeback man Rishabh Pant were picked while Sanju Samson has been picked as the 2nd wicketkeeper.

However, the decision to not name proven finisher Rinku Singh in the 15 has helped raise eyebrows. India have also gone in with Shivam Dube to add beef to the batting order.

🚨India’s squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 announced 🚨

Let’s get ready to cheer for #TeamIndia #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/jIxsYeJkYW

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 30, 2024

Hardik Pandya is one among three all-rounders in the side and the MI captain was named as vice-captain despite his poor run rate with MI, who are all but out of the IPL 2024 playoffs race. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are other two spinners.

BCCI’s decision to name as many as 4 frontline spinners, including the wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, has been questioned. It has also left the pace-bowling attack thin a 3-man unit led by Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s T20 World Cup Squad Announced: Rohit Sharma, Ajit Agarkar to Reveal Names Before Deadline

Team India’s T20 World Cup Squad

• Batters: Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav.
• Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson.
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja.
• Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.

Reserves

Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh have been relegated to the reserves, which also features left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, and right-arm pacer Avesh Khan.

Strengths: Jasprit Bumrah, probably the most complete paceman in world cricket. Reuniting Kuldeep Yadav and Yazvendra Chahal makes it a formidable spin unit. Suryakumar Yadav is back from injury. Virat Kohli’s in fine fettle (500 runs in this IPL season so far), with an improved strike rate of 147. Able, composed captain in Rohit Sharma.

Weaknesses: Unlike teams like Australia, India lack all-rounders and X-factor players. The lone pace bowling allrounder, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, has been selected and elevated based on past performance, not current form. Squad lacks ruthless hitters.

Pace unit patchy: Mohammed Siraj below his best, Arshdeep Singh often leaks runs, especially at death. Injured Mohammed Shami sorely missed. Team abounds in ordinary fielders.

Opportunities: After dominating in the ODI World Cup 2023 only to fall at the final hurdle, the team has a chance to win only its second T20 World Cup.

Treats: Squad short of proven finishers. The top order is largely similar to the squads that failed to win the last two T20 World Cups. Tail may not be able to contribute much with bat. Ball-guzzlers in top order could put extra pressure on lower order. Rohit’s form is a concern.

India’s T20 World Cup Squad: ‘Samson was not debated much, Rinku Singh was just unlucky’