In its fifteen-man squad for the T20 World Cup in 2024, India has selected four all-round players and five specialist bowlers. Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah are the team’s specialty pacers, and they represent the first-ever champions. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, meanwhile, can also contribute with their medium-paced bowling. Although Dube might have to wait for his opportunities, the former is anticipated to be in the starting lineup. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja have been selected as the spin-bowling all-rounders, while Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the team’s front-line spinners.
Choosing the ideal playing XI for the conditions and the opponents they face would be difficult for India’s captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid because of the country’s diverse bowling attack. Another important factor will be the players’ form.
Can KulCha play together?
When playing together under Virat Kohli’s guidance, Kuldeep and Chahal, affectionately known as “KulCha,” were a force to be reckoned with. However, India has recently chosen to add additional batting depth by holding either Jadeja or Axar in the side and only including one wrist spinner in the playing XI.
In the USA and the Caribbean, pitchers are anticipated to be key players. With Chahal and Kuldeep in the lineup, Rohit could be able to attack in the middle overs and put pressure on the opponent. Although the batting will be slightly impaired, statistics will demonstrate that the risk is justified.
In their 15 T20I innings together, the two little wrist spinners have taken 52 wickets for India at an outstanding average of 15.64 and a notable strike rate of 12.69. Just 7.39 is their collective economy rate throughout the course of 15 innings. Before choosing their starting lineup, the team management will consider these impressive records.
What seam and bowling combo could work well together?
India can keep two seamers and two wrist spinners in their playing XI and field six batters if they can rely on Hardik to bowl four overs in every match. In the IPL 2024, the Baroda all-rounder had not had much success with the ball, taking just 11 wickets in 14 matches while giving up runs at a 10.75 economy rate per over.
India can use all three seamers, one wrist spinner, and either Jadeja or Axar if they want Hardik to be their sixth bowler. India can also use their wrist spinners and three seamers if the ground is favourable for the spinners. Nevertheless, this will significantly lessen their batting depth.
Also read: Rahul Dravid is silent on Virat Kohli as India’s opener in T20 World Cup 2024.
In the starting lineup, Bumrah is a given. Siraj would be preferred over Arshdeep due to his experience if India plays with just two seamers. The right-arm pacer did not, however, play well in the 2024 Indian Premier League. The Arshdeep left-arm type can be brought in if the Hyderabad seamer is unable to deliver the goods.