T20 World Cup 2024: Sanju Samson, KL Rahul omitted as Irfan Pathan names India's squad for World Cup
Updated - 24 Apr 2024, 10:24 AM
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has picked India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the USA in June. Irfan Pathan didn't include Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Harshal Patel in his squad for the ICC tournament.
Discussions about the ideal 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup are ongoing. Skipper Rohit Sharma is the only certain selection in the squad, as confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. The other players are hoping to earn their place in the squad for the prestigious tournament.
The Indian selectors face a challenge in finalizing the T20 World Cup squad due to the impressive performances of several players in international and IPL matches. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, must decide between youthful talent and experience for the tournament.
Irfan Pathan Picks Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal As Openers
T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan picked Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers in the Indian squad for the World Cup. Pathan suggested that Shubman Gill is a backup opener in the team. Rohit is an automatic selection, and Jaiswal is an ideal partner due to his potential.
The former cricketer believes that Virat Kohli's optimal batting position is at number three, despite discussions about his strike rate. Pathan picked Suryakumar Yadav for the fourth position in the lineup. Rishabh Pant is designated as the sole wicketkeeper-batter in the squad.
The 39-year-old named Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja as all-rounders in his squad. For spinners, Pathan opted for Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, aiming to utilize the spin twins' abilities along with Jadeja's contributions in the upcoming marquee tournament.
Pathan selected Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj as the pace bowlers. Bumrah has excelled in the IPL 2024 with 13 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 15.69. However, Arshdeep and Siraj faced challenges in making an impact in the T20 tournament.
Irfan Pathan’s India 15 For T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Shubman Gill
Hardik Pandya Is Affecting His Own Hitting Skills - Irfan Pathan
In a video uploaded on his Instagram account, Irfan Pathan voiced concerns about Hardik Pandya's declining power-hitting skills.
"Mumbai Indians is still a very good team on paper but being managed very poorly. Especially, if Hardik Pandya as a leader lacks form, he will become a weak link for his own team. What I am most worried about is that he is affecting his own hitting abilities. This is a matter of concern – even for the Indian team.
"It seems as if he is looking for easy ways to come back to form and wants to keep himself in a comfortable position. And that is how he will not be able to win the respect of his team and teammates."
Tagged:
India National Cricket Team ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli Irfan Pathan IPL
