Kohli In, Rohit & KL Out, Pandya To Lead; Here's India's Strongest XI For T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play AFG series [X.com]
The Ajit Agarkar-led men's selection committee recently announced India's T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan at home. The most significant highlight of the selection was the comeback of the veteran batting duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are set to represent India in the shortest format for the first time after the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal.
The inclusion of both Kohli and Rohit has received mixed reactions from passionate Indian fans. While some have applauded the management for trusting the legendary duo, some have criticised the move, citing its psychological impact on the performing youngsters.
Nevertheless, this call signifies that Kohli and Rohit are in the management's plans for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. However, does their inclusion make India formidable anymore? Let's analyse and find out.
India's Strongest XI For T20 World Cup 2024
Why should India prefer Kohli over Rohit for anchor's role?
Despite being a prolific performer in white-ball cricket, Rohit Sharma has blown hot and cold in the T20 World Cups. He had a stellar debut in the inaugural edition, where he helped India become the first-ever T20I champion through some impactful batting performances. However, the legendary batter has been a pale shadow of himself in the previous three editions.
Since 2016, Rohit has managed only 378 runs in 16 innings at a modest average of 23.62 in three T20 World Cups. Furthermore, his strike rate reads only 123.52, which is mediocre as per current T20 standards.
Therefore, we don't believe Rohit Sharma brings significant value to India's T20I setup anymore, which is why it will be logical for India to move on from him in the shortest format.
On the contrary, Rohit's contemporary, Virat Kohli, has been astonishing in the T20 World Cups. The veteran batter has emerged as India's wrecker-in-chief with the bat, helping them secure several memorable wins in the tournament. Also, Kohli's experience and ability to anchor the innings will be beneficial for India in the US and the Caribbean.
Top order: Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav
However, given that India have a plethora of middle-overs accelerators, they should promote Kohli to open, which he does efficiently in the IPL. Young Mumbai batter Yashasvi Jaiswal should be his opening partner, as he compliments him as a left-hander and spin-basher.
Experienced batter Suryakumar Yadav, who can counter both spin and pace effectively, slots in at number three. Surya has been India's go-to man with the bat in T20Is, amassing 2141 runs at an outstanding average of 45.55 and a blistering strike rate of 171.55. His incredible numbers make him an automatic choice in India's strongest playing XI for the World Cup.
Middle Order: Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel
We expect prominent all-rounder Hardik Pandya to lead the side and bat at number four. Pandya, who started his career as a finisher, has performed admirably as the number four batter for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
Swashbuckling finishers Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh should be slotted at five and six, respectively, with left-arm spinner Axar Patel playing as the all-rounder.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
Ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah will lead the Indian bowling attack alongside his partner-in-crime, Mohammed Siraj. Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who enjoyed stellar success in South Africa, is expected to play as the third seamer. Experienced tweaker Kuldeep Yadav will likely pip Ravi Bishnoi, making it into India's playing XI for the marquee event.
India's Best XI For T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Suryakumar Yadav
Hardik Pandya (C)
Sanju Samson (WK)
Rinku Singh
Axar Patel
Jasprit Bumrah
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Arshdeep Singh
Other probable members: Ravi Bishnoi, Shubman Gill, Mukesh Kumar, Jitesh Sharma (WK)
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