Monty Panesar, Shubman gill
Monty Panesar (Image Credit: Twitter)

Former England spin bowler Monty Panesar said that he expected pace bowler Harshal Patel to be included in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

Harshal Patel had a tremendous IPL 2021 season as he ended as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 32 wickets, equalising CSK all-rounder Dwayne Bravo’s record in IPL 2013.

I thought Harshal Patel would make it: Monty Panesar

India had named three frontline pacers in the 15-member swuad for the World T20 in the name of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Recently, Shardul Thakur was added to strenghten the pace battery as the CSK all-rounder replaced Axar Patel in the main squad.

Panesar said that the Indian think tanke has backed the experienced campaigners.

“I thought Harshal Patel, the top wicket-taker in the IPL, would make it but he didn’t. It is because India have covered their bowling department anyway,” Panesar told TimesofIndia.com.

Harshal Patel, IPL 2021
Harshal Patel (Image Credit: Twitter)

“India have gone with experience in the team. Ashwin, Jadeja, Rohit are the players who can turn the tables for India and they have huge experience,” he added.

Shikhar Dhawan and Yuzvendra Chahal not making to T20 World Cup squad was surprising: Monty Panesar

However, there were some disheartening omissions from the World Cup squad which no one would have expected in the first place.

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Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal were dropped from the squads despite the latter was named the captain of India during Sri Lanka tour in July.

Shikhar Dhawan And Yuzvendra Chahal. Photo- Getty
Shikhar Dhawan And Yuzvendra Chahal. Photo- Getty

“Chahal and Shikhar didn’t make it – that was surprising. But India covered all their basics right and they are looking so good. Virat and Dhoni went with experience on their side,” Panesar said.

India are paired with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two more teams yet to be qualified in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage.

India will be playing against Pakistan in their opening match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 24.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2021: Bringing MS Dhoni On Board As A Mentor Is Virat Kohli’s Decision, Says Monty Panesar