Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma recently had a meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai regarding the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. They discussed various aspects before finalizing the squad for the marquee tournament.
Virat Kohli – Rohit Sharma To Open The Innings
The Indian selectors are expected to announce the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 by the end of April. They are closely watching the performances of the Indian players in the ongoing 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League and these performances are going to influence the selection for the World Cup.
It is expected that Indian captain Rohit Sharma will open the innings for India with Virat Kohli, who usually bats at No. 3 for the national team in the shorter formats.
It has to be noted that Virat Kohli holds an impeccable record for the most runs scored in T20I history, with 4037 runs in 117 matches at an average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 138.16. However, in his long career, the batting maestro has only opened the innings nine times, scoring 400 runs at a strike rate of 161.29.
Hardik Pandya’s Spot In Danger
As per a report by Abhishek Tripathi from Dainik Jagran, Shubman Gill might serve as the backup opener in the 15-man squad. Talking about star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, the Indian team management emphasized that for Hardik Pandya to return to India’s T20I squad, he needs to bowl consistently during the ongoing IPL 2024. Pandya is currently struggling with both bat and the ball and has managed to pick just 3 wickets in four innings at an economy rate of 12.00.
Riyan Parag, who has impressed one and all with his powerful performances in the IPL 2024 for Rajasthan Royals, is also being considered for selection in the squad. Riyan, who often comes out to bat at number 4, has smashed 318 runs in 7 games, including 3 half-centuries. His consistent performances could earn him a spot in the squad if he maintains his form in the upcoming matches.
Major talking points after the discussion between Rohit – Dravid – Agarkar about the T20I WC [Abhishek Tripathi from Dainik Jagran]:
– Rohit & Kohli will open.
– Hardik needs to bowl more in IPL.
– Gill might be the backup opener.
– Riyan Parag in scheme of things. pic.twitter.com/DC2SwSdfD7— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 17, 2024
India’s Predicted Squad for T20 World Cup 2024:
Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma/Sanju Samson (WK), Ravi Bishnoi
