T20 WC 2024: Former Olympian repeats Hardik Pandya's advise of sending 3 different teams for T20 World Cup
Published - 24 Apr 2024, 01:04 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:29 PM
The anticipation for India's squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 announcement is intense among fans and cricket experts, with the BCCI expected to unveil the roster by next week. This excitement extends beyond borders, as former Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake is also keenly awaiting the announcement of India's 2024 T20 World Cup squad.
The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies from June 2 to 29, and Blake, known for his passion for cricket, eagerly awaits India's matches in the Caribbean. However, India's all-group stage matches will take place in the USA.
India could potentially send 3 teams to the T20 World Cup 2024: Yohan Blake
Well, it seems that Yohan Blake is following Indian cricket closely, and even he is watching the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024), as he hailed India's strong talent pool. The former Jamaican sprinter believes that the BCCI could field three competitive teams for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.
Yohan Blake wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Currently, it is incredibly challenging to select the Indian T20 World Cup team due to the immense talent pool available. There are so many talented Indian players that it seems like they could potentially send three teams to the World Cup.”
Currently, it is incredibly challenging to select the Indian T20 World Cup team due to the immense talent pool available. There are so many talented Indian players that it seems like they could potentially send three teams to the World Cup. @<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L @<!---->B<!---->C<!---->C<!---->I @<!---->I<!---->C<!---->C
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) A<!---->p<!---->r<!---->i<!---->l<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4
In another X post, Blake wants the BCCI and Indian selectors to pick Dinesh Karthik for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
In my humble opinion, my cricket family, I strongly believe that Dinesh Karthik should indeed be picked for the team. @<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L @<!---->B<!---->C<!---->C<!---->I @<!---->D<!---->i<!---->n<!---->e<!---->s<!---->h<!---->K<!---->a<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->i<!---->k
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) A<!---->p<!---->r<!---->i<!---->l<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4
Interestingly, India's all-group stage matches at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 will take place in the USA, starting on June 5 in New York against Ireland, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan at the same venue on June 9.
The Men in Blue will then face the hosts, the United States cricket team, on June 12 in New York, and wrap up their group stage campaign against Canada at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida. India is placed alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and the United States in Group A for the mega event.
India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad unlikely to surprise fans
According to Cricbuzz, Rishabh Pant's return to the international scene with the mega event is highly likely. However, the selection of the second wicketkeeper may come down to a close competition between KL Rahul and Sanju Samson, as both players have been consistently delivering brilliant performances in the ongoing IPL 2024.
The RCB wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, with 251 runs at a strike rate of 196.08 in eight games so far in the ongoing IPL 2024, has expressed his desire to do keeper’s duty if required, and now it will be interesting to see the national selectors’ reaction to his wish.
The report further revealed that contenders in the batting department for the T20 World Cup 2024 squad include Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh, alongside stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shubman Gill's inclusion is also under consideration.
Among the bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah is the primary choice, and he will be potentially supported by Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh with the new ball. India is also looking for another fast bowler.
Kuldeep Yadav is likely to be the sole specialist spinner in the squad, and he will be supported by spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik Pandya may be selected as the sole fast-bowling all-rounder in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.