How can India move forward to T20 World Cup 2024?

Indian Cricket Team (Source: Twitter)

Preparation for the 2011 Cricket World Cup began in 2008, some tough calls were taken, and the plan was laid out in front to be sure about the strategy. While not many seniors were convinced about the idea, the roadmap was to ensure that the fit players were given preference. Maybe, it is time that we revert back to that mindset.

The 2023 World Cup is barely eight months away, and the best we can do right now is ensure that the workload of the players is managed well so that they remain thoroughly available. If anything had been done, it should have been in process at least a few months back.

So, What next?

If India is serious about the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and the USA, they need to start planning now. Now means now.

What do they need to do?

First, sort out the leader. If Hardik Pandya needs to be given the command, he should be given now until it's too late. The one-day team will be focusing on the upcoming mega-event, whereas no one will put the substance on the shorter format.

 It would remain undervalued for a year until we start pressing the panic button if another failure happens in the World event.

However, if anyone thinks in the apex body that there needs to be a change in the coaching structure, too, then it needs to be sorted out as soon as possible without hampering the current system.

Why it needs to be done?

The Baroda all-rounder should be made in charge if they are looking at him as the future prospect while also start looking at the players who they want to choose and pick and make a side that is made up of T20 specialists, that looks distinct from the ODI setup. 

Further, we need to emphasise on the number of players that will fit in the scheme of things in 2024. You can't afford to have aged baggage from now onwards.

Who should be given the preference?

The current crop of players have been sitting in the eleven for too long without any radical change in approach, which visibly has caused chaos after every multilateral event. 

Now, with many of the new players coming in it is fair to say that, there is no dearth of talent unless we again try to ignore the fact that there are options available.

Like many said, Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Sanju Samson have been waiting for too long to get their due and maybe it is time that we at least try to build a squad that is suitable for the conditions in the Americas while applying the case of 'Horses for Courses'.

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