Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif announced his ideal Team India squad and playing XI for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. The ICC tournament is scheduled to begin right after the conclusion of the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and players are making a hard push to secure their place in the Indian squad by performing well in the cash-rich tournament. Interestingly, Kaif left out Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson from his ideal India squad for the T20 World Cup.
Rohit, Yashasvi, Virat and Suryakumar take top-order spots
Kaif named Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rohit Sharma's opening partner in India's playing XI for the T20 World Cup. The ex-India batter picked Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav for the No.3 and No.4 spots respectively. Hardik Pandya, who is likely to be India's vice-captain was slotted at No.5 while Kaif picked Rishabh Pant as the wicket-keeper.
"Yashasvi Jaiswal will open alongside Rohit Sharma. Then Virat Kohli at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, Hardik Pandya at No. 5, and Rishabh Pant at No. 6," Kaif said on Star Sports.
Kaif puts trust in all-rounders
Kaif emphasised the importance of all-rounders who can add batting depth to the playing XI and picked Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja for the No.7 and No.8 positions respectively. Kuldeep Yadav earned Kaif's nod as the sole frontline spinner while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were chosen by the ex-Indian cricketer as the two frontline pacers.
"I will keep a lot of all-rounders because you need batting depth. So I will say Axar Patel at No. 7 and Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8. After that, Kuldeep Yadav, who is a skillful bowler, at No. 9. Then two fast bowlers - Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. That makes it your XI," Kaif said
Kaif names Chahal, Dube, Parag and Siraj in the squad
Apart from naming the playing XI, Kaif also picked Yuzvendra Chahal, Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag and Mohammed Siraj in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup.
"If I talk about the squad, you will take one more spinner. I feel you will have to keep Chahal. He brings the option of a leg-spinner. Ashwin went last time. He is not taking that many wickets this time (in the IPL). I believe Chahal is a very good bowler in those conditions where the ball will turn," Kaif opined.
"Then I will go with Shivam Dube. He is in great form and plays spin splendidly. He drives the game very well after six overs. I will take Riyan Parag's name. He is playing exceptionally well and deserves to be in the squad. That makes it 14, plus I will take Mohammed Siraj's name. Although he is not in form, he is an experienced bowler and has a fantastic overall record," Kaif elaborated.
Mohammad Kaif's ideal India playing XI for T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
Mohammad Kaif's India squad for T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag and Mohammed Siraj
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
