17 May,2024 10:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rohit Sharma in action. Pic/AFP
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About 17 years have passed since India seized the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa, heralding a new era of grandeur in world cricket. Yet, a second triumph in the same format, one that India has notably shaped through the IPL, has remained elusive for the Men in Blue ever since. As the T20 World Cup 2024 looms in West Indies and the USA, only a few weeks away, critical apprehensions loom over Rohit Sharma and Co. on the cusp of the 20-over showpiece.
Despite Suryakumar Yadav's stellar century against Sunrisers Hyderabad this IPL, his form has been erratic. Furthermore, lingering memories of last year's 50-over World Cup, where he struggled against the Australian attack, compound uncertainties, if anything at all. If India opts for Jaiswal and Sharma as openers, Yadav might face heightened pressure due to limited deliveries to settle in. Yet, if he finds his rhythm in the T20 World Cup 2024, he will undoubtedly be India's most formidable match-winner with the bat.
The conspicuous absence of Shubman Gill, IPL 2023's top run-scorer, had initially raised quite a few eyebrows, yet a comparison of his T20 acceleration rates with Jaiswal's offers insight into the decision by Indian selectors. However, the absence of Rinku Singh, with his formidable average of 89 and a strike rate of 176 in T20Is, truly underscores the side's void. His adaptability across positions and knack for six-hitting would have definitely bolstered India's lineup, particularly in high-scoring chases reminiscent of recent IPL encounters.
In the intricate dynamics of T20I format, optimising deliveries for top-order batsmen stands as paramount. In this light, several pundits are suggesting that India must consider the prospect of pairing talismanic batter Virat Kohli with Sharma at the opening slot. While Sharma appears destined for one end, the selection of youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside him seems probable, with Kohli asserting his dominance at number three instead, a position he has commandeered for almost a decade. Despite Kohli's limited T20I appearances as an opener, his staggering average of 57.14 and a blistering strike rate of 161.29 underscore his prowess.
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Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal form India's spin arsenal in the World Cup, with Chahal earning a surprise comeback. Yet, determining the spin combination for starting spots remains a conundrum, truth be told. Jadeja and Axar's batting proficiency bolsters their candidacy, while Kuldeep's recent form edges him over Chahal in the pecking order. Given the absence of dew factors in day matches, the simultaneous inclusion of Kuldeep and Chahal seems unlikely.
With no more than three slots being allocated to pacers in the 15-member squad, India banks heavily on Hardik Pandya's fitness and bowling prowess. However, his injury history raises concerns regarding his capability to bowl with consistency. As the action shifts to the Caribbean, India's over-reliance on Pandya's bowling could prove detrimental, necessitating strategic utilisation of either Shivam Dube or a lineup featuring all three frontline pacers.
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Following the anguish from last year, India grapples with the pressing question of reclaiming dominance in ICC tournaments. Since the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy title, India's journey has been fraught with semifinal exits and finale defeats. Despite fielding balanced squads, doubts linger: Is the best starting lineup secured? Can they withstand pressure? These uncertainties contrast the era of MS Dhoni, with his departure, India's once unshakeable confidence on the grand stage appears to wane each time they take the field. Whether this year will usher in a change of fortunes, only time will tell!
