T20 WC 2024: Virat Kohli pushed to number 3, Sanju Samson left behind: Virender Sehwag lists his Indian squad

As the countdown to the announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 begins, speculation and anticipation are reaching the next pitch. From cricket pundits to fans, everyone is crafting their version of the ideal squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.

Adding to the buzz, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag recently revealed his predictions for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to be co-hosted by the USA and West Indies in June.

Many familiar faces cut Sehwag’s predicted playing XI for the Men in Blue at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. However, a few unexpected omissions and inclusions might surprise a few.

Virender Sehwag predicts India's XI for T20 World Cup 2024

Virender Sehwag didn’t pick Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson in his playing XI. One of the most surprising additions to Sehwag's Team India XI for the T20 World Cup 2024 was the inclusion of Sandeep Sharma, who has garnered attention for his standout performances for the table-topper Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the ongoing IPL 2024.

Recent reports suggest that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will be opening alongside the senior batter Virat Kohli in the upcoming ICC event. But Sehwag came up with a different combination, favoring Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside Rohit as his opening pair for the Men in Blue. Surprisingly, Sehwag also overlooked Shubman Gill for the T20 World Cup 2024.

The former Indian opener wants Virat Kohli to bat at No. 3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant, who will also keep wickets, in the batting line-up for India. He also highlighted the dilemma of picking between Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh for a spot in the playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Additionally, Sehwag opts for Kuldeep Yadav as the only specialist spinner, leaving out Yuzvendra Chahal from India’s playing XI for the ICC event. His fast-bowling attack was comprised of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Sandeep Sharma for the T20 World Cup 2024. Sehwag made this prediction on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast with Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist.

Here’s Virender Sehwag’s Playing XI for India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024:

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Rinku Singh/Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Sandeep Sharma.

Recently, Virender Sehwag broke his silence on Yashasvi Jaiswal being compared with him. He said he was also compared with Sachin Tendulkar, but everyone has their style and should focus on their own game; that’s what he did, and he also suggested Jaiswal follow the same.

He was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “I don't believe in comparisons. When I was compared, I made some changes in stance and how I played, so people stop saying that I look or bat like Tendulkar. The tag of comparison comes with immense pressure. I have high hopes for his boy.

When you come from a small city, you know you have to put in the hard work otherwise you might have to go back. He will come back to form soon. I believe his ticket and visa for the World Cup is confirmed.”