The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is set to conclude with a thrilling final on May 26, immediately followed by the commencement of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and the West Indies starting on June 2. In anticipation of this major event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is soon expected to announce the T20 squad under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma.
Just before the official announcement, former Indian cricket star Wasim Jaffer has preemptively revealed his preferred lineup for Team India at the T20 World Cup.
No Shubman Gill in Wasim Jaffer's squad
In a bold move that has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, Jaffer excluded Shubman Gill from his lineup, which otherwise retains many key players. On his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Jaffer disclosed his ideal squad, emphasising a robust top order consisting of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli.
Following the top order, the middle order boasts dynamic players like Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson, all known for their explosive batting and match-winning capabilities. Their inclusion is pivotal to providing the team with the necessary depth and versatility in batting.
Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube included
In the all-rounder slots, Jaffer has placed his trust in Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, alongside the seasoned Ravindra Jadeja. This trio is expected to contribute significantly both with the bat and ball, providing balance to the team’s composition. Rinku Singh has also been included to provide a finishing touch to the innings, a role he has adeptly handled in past domestic and international fixtures.
The spin department sees the popular duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. For the fast bowling attack, Jaffer has chosen Jasprit Bumrah to lead, with Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh supporting him. This selection provides a mix of speed and skill that can be crucial in conditions likely to vary greatly across venues in the USA and the West Indies.
Wasim Jaffer's India squad for 2024 T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
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