India are going to kickstart their T20 World Cup 2022's journey against the arch-rival Pakistan on October 23 (Sunday). Predictions from cricket pundits have started pouring in on how India would fare with many casting reservations and many being optimistic ahead of India’s chances at the T20 World Cup.
India’s legendary fast bowler Zaheer Khan puts his money on two teams that are likely to punch their ticket to the final of the T20 World Cup. The former Indian cricketer asserts India and England will make it to the final of the World Cup in Australia.
The left arm pacer believes India are a strong contender to advance to the final despite being slightly depleted after the exclusion of spearhead pacer Jasprit Bumrah and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja picked up injuries.
The other team Zaheer cited to make it to the final was England who have had an idyllic run-up to their T20 World Cup after winning a T20I series against Pakistan and Australia as tourists.
"Obviously, I'm going to go with India. Yes, there have been some talks of some key players, Bumrah being injured, and what's going to happen with the bowling but still I feel with the consistency they've shown for the last few years, I think they are definitely going to be the contenders to be in the finals,", he said, while speaking to Cricbuzz.
India are going into the World Cup where they are for the first time not seen as firm favourite to win the title despite being the number 1 T20 side.
India continue to grapple with death bowling as tried and tested bowlers such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar conceded runs in galore at death overs.
But in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami in a warm-up game against the hosts Australia bowled a brilliant over and helped India beat the reigning T20 World champions. Shami who received a last-minute call-up as Bumrah’s replacement delivered just what the doctor had ordered as he displayed brilliant death bowling skills.
The last over by Shami, who returned to the international side in blue colour after a year, was frugal giving away just six runs and taking three wickets which also effected a run-out.
The over led to India defending their total of 186 and bowling the Australian side out for 180 where Shami warded off Australia from scoring 11 runs in the 20th over.
This by many is seen as a positive sign and a silver lining ahead of their worries with death bowling.
Team India Squad for T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (captain), Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Hooda, Mohammed Shami.
Schedule of Indian team in the T20 World Cup 2022:
India vs Pakistan on October 23
India vs Netherlands on October 27
India vs South Africa on October 30
India vs Bangladesh on November 2
India vs Zimbabwe on November 6
