Saju Samson, Shubman Gill snubbed as Mohammad Kaif picks India squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has unveiled his Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the Caribbean Islands and the USA. Mohammad Kaif excluded promising talents like Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, and Shubman Gill from the playing XI.

The Men in Blue played their last T20I series against Afghanistan in January this year. The BCCI is closely observing the IPL 2024 to finalize the squad for the T20 World Cup. The announcement regarding the squad for the ICC tournament is likely to be made by the end of April.

India will kick off their World Cup campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5, followed by matches against Pakistan, the United States, and Canada. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal Will Open Alongside Rohit Sharma - Mohammad Kaif

On the Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues,' Mohammad Kaif picked Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma as openers and Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batter.

Kaif emphasized the inclusion of all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja to strengthen the batting depth, alongside skilled bowler Kuldeep Yadav and fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

"Yashasvi Jaiswal will open alongside Rohit Sharma. Then Virat Kohli at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, Hardik Pandya at No. 5, and Rishabh Pant at No. 6," Kaif said.

"I will keep a lot of all-rounders because you need batting depth. So I will say Axar Patel at No. 7 and Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8. After that, Kuldeep Yadav, who is a skillful bowler, at No. 9. Then two fast bowlers - Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. That makes it your XI," he added.

Will Have To Keep Yuzvendra Chahal - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif opted for Yuzvendra Chahal over Ravichandran Ashwin as the backup spinner in the team. Kaif highlighted Chahal's prowess and his effectiveness in conditions favorable for spin bowling, particularly in the T20 World Cup.

"If I talk about the squad, you will take one more spinner. I feel you will have to keep Chahal. He brings the option of a leg-spinner. Ashwin went last time. He is not taking that many wickets this time (in the IPL). I believe Chahal is a very good bowler in those conditions where the ball will turn," Chopra further stated.

The cricketer-turned-commentator finalized his squad selection by naming Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, and Mohammed Siraj. Kaif underscored Dube's prowess against spinners and emphasized Parag's consistent performance. Although Siraj's recent form is a concern, Kaif acknowledged his experience and impressive track record.

The 43-year-old designated Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, and Avesh Khan as reserve players who should accompany the squad during the T20 World Cup.

Mohammad Kaif's Indian squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Mohammed Siraj

Also read: Virat Kohli snubbed? Sanju Samson omitted, LSG pacer picked! Irfan Pathan picks India's squad for T20 World Cup 2024