India’s T20 World Cup Squad: India announced its 15 members squad for the T20 World Cup that is going to take place in Australia the next month. The review is that the selectors played it safe. The selections have mostly followed predicted lines with the inclusion of Harshal Patel and Jasprit Bumrah as lead pacers. What is interesting is the addition of Deepak Hooda in the final 15 is the only surprise.

The Top Order

The top three batsmen for India are Rohit Sharma, K L Rahul, and Virat Kohli. Despite his poor record, Rahul has been kept because the think tank believes the polished batsman is the best compliment for Rohit up front. Rahul possesses the technique and stroke variety required to prevail on the bouncy Australian tracks.

Kohli has returned to form with a strong performance in the Asia Cup. In terms of the T20 World Cup, this may be the final push for both Kohli and Rohit.

Middle Order Push

At No. 4, Suryakumar Yadav is an obvious option. The Mumbaikar is a versatile player who can score from the first ball.

As wicketkeeper-batters, the selectors have stuck with Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik. Despite his problems in the shortest version of the game, Pant is a big-match player. He possesses the shots and the confidence to win a game on his own. Being the lone southpaw in the Indian top six also aided him.

Fast Finisher and All-round Approach

Karthik, 37, has realized his aim of being chosen for the main event. Karthik is Team India’s chosen finisher and has a wealth of expertise. It is up to the team management to include him in the starting lineup so that his abilities may be utilized.

Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel are the all-rounders, as expected. How Pandya performs, particularly with the ball, will have a significant impact on India’s prospects in the competition. Needless to say, his power-hitting will be crucial in the end.

Axar was an obvious choice after Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out due to knee surgery. Axar is a deft left-arm spinner who can play the big shots. The main question is whether he will be effective in Australia. Jadeja will undoubtedly be sadly missed.

Spin-it

Leggie Yuzvendra Chahal and offie R Ashwin combine to make a formidable spin duo. Chahal is a wicket-taker who will be important on the large Australian grounds. Like Karthik, Ashwin will be hungry to contribute and justify his selection. Ashwin may also contribute with the bat, although his fielding might be detrimental to India at times.\

Worthy Pace Attack

Jasprit Bumrah and T20 specialist Harshal Patel have returned from injury. Patel’s brilliant variations and batting talents allowed him to beat out the seasoned Mohammed Shami, who was chosen as a backup.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a seasoned left-armer, and Arshdeep Singh, a rookie round out the fast bowling lineup. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will bowl most of his overs in the Powerplay, while Arshdeep will bowl the death overs.

Reserves

Given the type of fields available in Australia, Mohammed Shami has been designated as a standby player for the competition. Australian facilities are well-known for their bouncy pitches, which aid fast bowlers with the ability to strike the deck hard. Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, and Deepak Chahar are also on the reserve list.

Hooda’s selection over Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer has come as a surprise. The deciding factor was that he could roll his arm over if necessary. It remains to be seen if Hooda is given an opportunity to play.

The Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 looks soft and balanced. The solution to all the problems now lies in the execution. If players perform up to their potential, they will serve tough competition for other teams and increase their chances of winning the cup.

India Squad for T20 World Cup 2022: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, R Pant (WK), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Hardik Pandya, R. Ashwin, Y Chahal, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, B Kumar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh

Standby players – Mohd. Shami, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Deepak Chahar