Following the announcement of India's T20 World Cup squad, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the media on May 2. While they shed light on the selection process, Rohit remained tight-lipped regarding specific team strategies for the T20 World Cup 2024. One question that piqued curiosity was the inclusion of four spinners, with none being a classic off-spinner. Rohit acknowledged his preference for four spinners but offered a cryptic response, hinting at strategic reasons and keeping the details from opposition captains listening'.
"I don't want to go too much into detail on it, I'm sure opposition captains are listening to this. I definitely wanted four spinners. We've played a lot of cricket there [Caribbean]. We know what the conditions are like. With morning starts at 10-10.30am, there's a little bit of technical aspect involved in this," Rohit Sharma said in the press conference.
The media inquisition also touched upon the team combination for the World Cup. Rohit Sharma, known for his relaxed approach, politely shut down the question. He declined to reveal any details about the playing XI and team combination, considering there was still over a month before India's opening match.
"5 tareekh ko match hai, abhi mai bolke kya karunga? Abhi kyun janna hai aapko combination (The match is on May 5. Why would I reveal the combination now? Why do you want to know the combination now?)," said Rohit.
Here's how Rohit reacted to journalist's question
India have been placed in Group A for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This group promises some thrilling encounters, including the highly anticipated clash with their arch-rivals, Pakistan. The co-hosts, USA, along with Canada and Ireland, round out the group. India's World Cup journey kicks off on June 5 against Ireland. Just four days later, on June 9, they face their biggest rivals, Pakistan, in what promises to be a high-voltage match. The remaining group stage fixtures see India take on the USA on June 12th and Canada on June 15. Interestingly, the first three games will be played in New York, while the final group stage match will be held in Lauderhill.
With their sights set firmly on the coveted trophy, India is aiming to add a second T20 World Cup title to their name. Their last victory came in the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2007.
India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024
Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.
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