In the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup, we are seeing some players represent their nations although they made their debuts only recently. It is a big moment for them because playing in a high-profile ICC event at such an early stage in their careers is a massive thing. However, for some players, they have had to wait for a very long time. Some made their T20I debut almost a decade ago. However, it is only now that they could get to make their debut at the T20 World Cup. On that note, here, we take at four players who made their T20I debut more than 8 years ago but might make their T20 World Cup debut only in 2024.
1) Matt Henry – T20I debut in 2014
Matt Henry is one of the players who made their T20I debut more than 8 years ago but might make their T20 World Cup debut only in 2024. Until recently, Matt Henry was not considered much for the T20I format. He was more into Tests and ODIs.
However, he has performed well whenever given a chance in the shortest format. With injuries to players like Adam Milne, Matt Henry got a chance to be in the T20 WC squad. It is a good thing for the Kiwis, as well, as Henry would bring in a lot of experience to the side.
2) Sanju Samson – T20I debut in 2015
It was way back in 2015 that Sanju Samson made his debut for the country. Since then, it has mostly been a stop-and-start career for Sanju Samson. It is mainly due to his IPL form that he got a chance to be in the T20 World Cup squad for India.
However, this could be the final chance for Sanju. If he does not do well, India might look at other options in the future. Firstly, Sanju must push for a place in the playing XI. Then, it is about him to grab his chance.
3) Yuzvendra Chahal – T20I debut in 2016
Yuzvendra Chahal is also one of the players who made their T20I debut more than 8 years ago but might make their T20 World Cup debut only in 2024. One of the highest wicket-takers for India in T20Is, Chahal is yet to play a T20 WC game till now.
He was not selected for the 2021 T20 World Cup. In the 2022 T20 WC, R Ashwin was preferred ahead of him. Since the tournament was in Australia, Chahal did not get to play.
4) Travis Head – T20I debut in 2016
Travis Head is also on this list. The Aussie made his T20I debut long ago. However, for a few years, he was completely out of the setup. It is only a couple of years ago that he made a comeback to the Australian Team.
Head has been sensational since then. He helped Australia lift the WTC and the 2023 ODI World Cup. He was also in excellent form in IPL 2024. Australia will want him to maintain the momentum in the T20 World Cup, as well. This will help the team get off to strong starts.
