India had to endure a terrible exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup. Coming into the semi-final, the men in blue had a great chance. However, against England, India put up a listless performance and hence, had to leave the tournament. In two consecutive editions, India has to learn a tough lesson. It is now time to apply these learnings for the next edition. India will have to think of a well-rounded playing 11 for the next edition. On that note, here, we take a look at the playing 11 India must target for the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA.
Openers: Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant (WK)
It should be a fresh opening pair in the playing 11 India must target for the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA. If a single reason had to be pointed out for India’s exit from the T20 WC, it will be the opening combination. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul had a forgettable tournament and India has to come out of it.
While Prithvi Shaw is the obvious choice, it would be better if India goes for the experienced Sanju Samson. He is one player who can do well against all types of bowling. In West Indies, he would surely be useful. Rishabh Pant must be backed in the T20 XI and the best spot for him will be to open the batting.
Middle-Order: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul
A massive loss saw India make an exit from the #T20WorldCup 👀
More from the coach ⬇#INDvENGhttps://t.co/VA4smqb7az
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 10, 2022
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Virat Kohli‘s performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup has shown his worth to Team India. With his fitness, he must be able to continue, unless he himself takes the opposite direction. Suryakumar Yadav is the obvious choice in the middle order. This duo was one of the very few positives for the Indian Team in the recent tournament.
While KL Rahul was a flop in the T20 World Cup, it needs to be noted that he is a talented cricketer. As a finisher, he will be forced to show intent and this way, India can utilize the full potential of his talent. If not KL, India could have to groom someone like Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma or Shahrukh Khan in the middle order.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar
Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar will be the all-rounders in the playing 11 India must target for the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA. Hardik might even captain this squad. Ravindra Jadeja’s fitness is an issue and India could have to rely on someone like Washington Sundar, who also has fitness problems. His height will be an advantage on foreign pitches. India might still try Axar Patel for a while.
In the spin bowling all-rounder’s department, India might try out the likes of Shahbaz Ahmed or even R Sai Kishore, if the latter can improve on his batting skills.
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s impact has reduced in recent months. From now on, Deepak Chahar must get the preference in playing 11. The likes of Mohammed Siraj could also feature here.
Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh should be India’s core in the pace attack. In the reserves, players such as Umran Malik and Mohsin Khan can be groomed. India must focus on improving its spin unit. Ravi Bishnoi is a great option to start with. India will also hope that Kuldeep Yadav can return to consistency as he has age on his side.
