India’s approach post-T20 World Cup 2021 has been interesting. They have taken the all-out approach to keep attacking right from ball one. India has now started fielding role-specific players. But there are a couple of spots that fans and experts still believe are being ridden on reputation. The new players who have come through this year have put in special performances. It will be hard to ignore their performances come to the T20 World Cup.
We look at 5 players who can be Surprising Picks For WC 2022:
#5 Kuldeep Yadav
He was nowhere on the radar when India played the last T20 World Cup. India was hell-bent on picking quick spinners for the tournament. The move backfired badly. Rohit Sharma, the new captain was keen on getting the best spinners back. It was his faith in Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav that both of them again flourished. Yadav won the most number of player of match awards in IPL 2022. He will surely be picked for the World Cup provided he stays fit.
#4 Avesh Khan
He is one of those bowlers who have the ability to pick crucial pickets. Avesh Khan has come up the ranks beautifully. Khan hits the right lengths throughout the innings. He tries to swing the ball early on in the powerplay. Khan then resorts to hitting the hard length using the pitch to his aid. He is a fine death bowler too. Khan has stood up in the absence of pace regulars. He will surely be in the scheme of things for the T20 World Cup 2022.
#3 Ravi Bishnoi
He had a forgettable IPL 2022. Coming in as a player picked from the players’ draft, Ravi Bishnoi had a lot of expectations riding on him. There was no shortage of intent from the youngster but the results didn’t come. But the Indian team reinstated faith in him. He got to play a couple of games, each against Ireland and England.
Bishnoi held his own against batting-heavy sides on flat wickets. He has given a good account of himself. In the longer grounds of Australia, Bishnoi will sure be a handful.
#2 Arshdeep Singh
The lanky left-arm seamer has played all of just a single T20I so far. Arshdeep Singh partnered with Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the first T20I. He bowled over everyone with his skill and temperament. Singh delivered a maiden first over. He is brilliant at death. This was known to everyone but his powerplay bowling was outstanding. His left-arm pace adds a different dimension to the bowling attack. He has almost booked a ticket to Australia.
#1 Deepak Hooda
If there is one player who has grabbed the maximum headlines in recent times, it is Deepak Hooda. He set the stage on fire with a blazing century against Ireland. Coming into bat a number 3, Hooda got going right from ball one. He is versatile with his game. Hooda can play the finisher’s role coming in at number 5.
He went one notch better in the game against England. His game against spin stood out among other batters auditioning for that role. It will be difficult for the selectors to look past Hooda for the number 3 spot. He is someone who is breathing down Kohli’s neck for the spot that he has always owned!
