IND vs IRE: Sanju Samson snubbed as Irfan Pathan picks India's playing XI for T20 World Cup 2024

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan picked the best possible playing XI for the Rohit Sharma-led team during their first match in the T20 World Cup 2024. Irfan Pathan backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the batting in their World Cup opener, despite Virat Kohli's impressive performance as an opener in the IPL 2024.

The Men in Blue will lock horns with Ireland in their first match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 5. The Indian team will face archrivals Pakistan in their next match at the same venue on June 9. India will take on the USA and Canada in their last group-stage matches.

The 2007 World Cup champions will advance to the Super 8 stage if they finish in the top two places on the table. The Indian team will aim to reach the final match of the marquee tournament. India is determined to end their 11-year ICC trophy drought with a well-balanced team suited to the World Cup conditions.

Want Yashasvi Jaiswal To Be In Form - Irfan Pathan

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Irfan Pathan said that Yashasvi Jaiswal should be in the playing XI, given that many teams have left-arm spinners. Pathan said that the left-handed batsman could counter the left-arm spinners' threat. He said that Virat Kohli focuses on winning games amid criticism over his strike rate.

“Why I kept Yashasvi Jaiswal there (as the opener) is purely because I see a lot of teams have left-arm spinners. And we know that against Rohit and Virat, if they open, there will be a time when a lot of teams will use a left-arm spinner at the start, in the powerplay, and that can happen, so I want to avoid that," Pathan said.

"I want Yashasvi to be in form. I want Yashasvi’s left-handedness to be used for India, and he can take the game away. If he is on song, he can actually take the game away. That’s why Rohit open, Yashasvi Jaiswal open, and Virat Kohli at No. 3. Lot of people talk about Virat Kohli’s strike rate, but I think he is a match-winner. He thinks about winning the games,” he added.

Irfan Pathan picked Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper-batter in the playing XI. The cricketer-turned-commentator included Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube as all-rounders in the lineup. Pathan noted that Dube will become effective with the ball if the pitches have a slight grip.

The former World Cup winner emphasized the importance of having a strong batting lineup. Pathan said that Jadeja hasn't won games for India while batting at No. 7. He said that Jadeja should contribute as a bowler and fielder. He picked Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav as specialist bowlers.

Irfan Pathan's India XI for T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

Also read: IND vs IRE: "Rishabh Pant will be sent in at number 3"- Aakash Chopra reveals India's batting order for T20 World Cup 2024