T20 World Cup 2024: Jaiswal, Rinku in line for maiden WC call; will Kohli be omitted?

T20 World Cup 2024: Who all will make to the India's T20 World Cup squad? Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh in line for maiden World Cup call; will Virat Kohli be omitted?

T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Kohli can make a cut ahead of Gill (Photo: ©BCCI/Twitter)

Amidst the excitement of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the focus for India is on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The 20-team tournament, to be played in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) will begin on June 2. India has already confirmed Rohit Sharma as their captain for the upcoming edition. 

The 2007 T20 World Cup winners are clubbed with the co-hosts the USA, arch-rivals Pakistan, and minnows Ireland and Canada in Group A. With just around seven weeks before the beginning of the tournament, talks on India’s squad have already started. 

A look at India’s probable squad for the T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit & Jaiswal look set for opening spot

Undoubtedly, captain Rohit Sharma will walk as India’s opener for the T20 World Cup. In the history of the tournament, Rohit is the fourth-highest run-getter with 963 runs in 36 innings at an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 127.88. When it comes to his T20I batting in the West Indies and the USA, the veteran has 317 runs at a strike rate of 150.2. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal could partner with India’s leader. He has been excellent in the last IPL with 625 runs in 14 innings at a fabulous strike rate of 163.6 with five fifties and one century. In his presence, India will have the luxury of a right-left opening combination. 

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Virat Kohli stands ahead of Shubman Gill for the number three spot

It’s tough to think of India’s T20 World Cup squad without Virat Kohli. The star batter is the highest run-scorer of the competition with 1141 runs in 25 innings at an excellent average of 81.5 and a strike rate of 131.3 with 14 fifties. With a huge amount of experience, he will be vital for India crunch situations. 

At the moment Kohli stands ahead of Shubman Gill for the number three spot. Only if he doesn’t increase his strike rate in the current IPL, and the BCCI plans for freshness, then Gill has a chance. Otherwise, he could be the first replacement in case of an injury.  

IPL form will decide Rishabh Pant's chances (Images: ©BCCI/IPLT20)

Surya cements number four spot, Rahul and Pant in the wicket-keeping spot

With superb form, Suryakumar Yadav will be a vital member for India at number four. There isn’t any comparison for him at the moment. In just 60 T20Is, Sky has notched up 2141 runs at a strike rate of 171.55. Since the start of 2022, among batters who have faced at least 150 balls from the 7th to 15th over, Sky has the third-highest T20I strike rate of 165.16. 

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul also look set for the wicket-keeping option. Since his comeback from the freak injury, Pant has smashed two successive fifties to get back into rhythm. His presence will also offer India a left-hand option in the middle order. 

Among other options like Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma seems to be the likeliest to get the nod. India can also use Sanju at the top order if required. 

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Hardik, Dube, and Jadeja are among the all-rounders, Rinku could be India’s X-factor

Shivam Dube looks set for his T20 World Cup call. Of late, he has played the beast role in the middle overs, especially against the spinners. Among those who have faced at least 150 balls, the left-hander has the third most IPL runs (573) since the start of 2022 during the 7th to 15th over period. But he needs to start bowling. 

Hardik Pandya has a good chance to make it into the squad, but he needs to be consistent with both bat and ball. Ravindra Jadeja has been striking the ball well, and offering two to three overs regularly. Rinku Singh’s position is a little critical. If India goes with five proper bowlers, he could do the finishing role. Otherwise, he could replace an injured SKY, if Pant plays at number four. 

Read More: Tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav makes strong case for T20 World Cup 2024 selection

Shivam Dube has made a strong case for himself (Photo: ©BCCI/Twitter)

Bumrah to lead pace attack; Kuldeep-Bishnoi in spin department

Without any shade of a doubt, Jasprit Bumrah will lead India’s pace attack. Arshdeep Singh’s left-arm angle will be crucial. Mohammad Siraj has gone for runs in recent times, but he has a brilliant knack of breaking partnerships or picking up important wickets. 

Kuldeep Yadav will be India’s spinner. Being a chainaman, he can both take the ball away and bring the ball in, thanks to his variations. He can also dry up the runs in the middle overs. Ravi Bishnoi could be in the squad as a backup option. On dry surfaces, India will also have the luxury of going with three spinners. 

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Mayank Yadav can drive value for India in middle overs (Images: ©IPL/X)

Mayank Yadav, and Axar Patel among other contenders in line

New pace bowling sensation, Mayank Yadav has breathed fire. If India feels like adding some extra pace, he could be selected. Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar are also among the back-up options. Tilak Varma and Shreyas Iyer could get a chance if India needs an injury replacement. 

India’s probable squad for the T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Siraj. 

India will begin their campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. 

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