The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will be played in the West Indies and the United States of America from June. The tournament will feature a record 20 teams. For the first time, Canada, Uganda, and the United States (as co-host) have qualified.
Meanwhile, Simon Katich predicted the 15-member Indian squad for the marquee event.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and southpaw Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting. Virat Kohli is slotted at number three.
“Rohit Sharma would open the innings with young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal. The great Virat Kohli will bat at No.3,” Simon Katich said.
The former RCB coach chose top ranked T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav and DC skipper Rishabh Pant for the 4th and 5th slots. Rinku Singh is in the sixth place.
“Coming out 4, it has to be the number 1 T20I batter SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) or Rishabh Pant depending on the left-right batter combinations. After then, Rinku Singh who has instrumental for India would bat as the finisher,” he stated.
Katich then picked all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja at number 7 and 8.
“As all-rounders I want Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja to be at number 7 and 8,” he noted.
Moving further, the 48-year old wanted a strong spinner and was in a confusion between Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, but ultimately chose Yadav.
“You always want a attacking leg spinner, but it’s a tough choice. Chahal and Kuldeep are bowling at their best but I’d pick Kuldeep, even though I love Chahal.”
Sticking to the left-right combination, the southpaw went with the current IPL Purple Cap holder Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as the pacers.
“The quicks in the squad will play a crucial role. Definitely, I have to pick Jasprit Bumrah and assisting him would be the left arm pacer Arshdeep,”
Katich also further added Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, Mayank Yadav and Harshit Rana as India’s backup players.
“For the backup players (12 to 15) I’d opt for Sanju Samson, he’s a great keeper and can bat anywhere in the lineup. He’s having a wonderful IPL season. Shivam Dube would serve as the allrounder backup depending on performances. He hasn’t bowled in the IPL but is explosive and fires the ball at all directions. He would be a great southpaw option,” Katich remarked.
“The last 2 spots will have backup pacers, LSG’s dynamic pacer Mayank Yadav. He bowls like a rocket. Then, KKR youngster Harshit Rana is a must. He changes his pace cleverly and can bowl at 140’s as well,” he concluded.
Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj were not selected.
The Indian squad will be revealed this week as 1st May is the deadline for all teams to announce their squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Simon Katich’s Team India squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana