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

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has selected India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Irfan Pathan emphasized the importance of star batsman Virat Kohli‘s presence in major tournaments and addressed misconceptions about his strike rate.

India has failed to secure the T20 World Cup title since their victory in the inaugural edition in 2007 in South Africa. Notably, Irfan Pathan was part of India’s winning squad. Pathan received the Player of the Match award in the summit clash for his all-round efforts.

IPL 2024 offers a prime opportunity for players to secure spots on the squad as the T20 World Cup is scheduled right after. The selectors are expected to choose the team for the ICC tournament primarily based on performances in the Indian Premier League.

Irfan Pathan Backs Virat Kohli To Excel In T20 World Cup 2024

During an ESPNcricinfo show Timeout, Irfan Pathan discussed his 15-member squad for the upcoming marquee event. The former pacer selected the batters, such as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh.

Pathan emphasized Kohli’s crucial role in major tournaments, debunking misconceptions about his strike rate while underscoring India’s batting prowess.

The selection dilemma centers around the wicketkeeper’s role, with Rishabh Pant returning from injury, Jitesh Sharma displaying potential, and KL Rahul offering versatility. Pathan suggested including two among Rahul, Pant, and Sharma as wicketkeepers in the team.

Irfan Pathan Excludes Yuzvendra Chahal In India’s Squad

Pathan selected Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja as the all-rounders in his squad. For spinners, he chose Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, completing the lineup with the spin twins’ skills alongside Jadeja’s versatile contributions.

Irfan Pathan included Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as seamers, stressing the importance of having a “gun left-arm fast bowler” like Mohsin Khan for a team to succeed. He favored Mohsin over Arshdeep Singh due to his impressive performances.

India schedule for the 2024 T20 World Cup

According to reports, India’s T20 World Cup squad is expected to be unveiled by the end of April, meeting the May 1st deadline imposed by the organizers. Teams are permitted to adjust their squads until May 25th, offering flexibility for last-minute changes.

Indian players not involved in the IPL playoffs will depart for the USA on May 19, forming the initial contingent for the national team.

Irfan Pathan’s Likely India 15 For T20 World Cup

Batters: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh

All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja

Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant. KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma (any two of them)

Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi

Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohsin Khan/Arshdeep Singh

Also read: ‘MS Dhoni said what mistake we did with Ravindra Jadeja…’ – Irfan Pathan unveils Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy transformation