Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has unveiled his preferred Indian squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. In a surprising move, Kaif excluded star batter Rinku Singh from the 15-man squad, instead opting for Rajasthan Royals' Riyan Parag. The T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to take place in the Caribbean Islands and the United States of America (USA) during the month of June.
Mohammad Kaif has selected Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal for his Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill are among the potential contenders who are not included in his chosen team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Over Shubman Gill
On the Star Sports program 'Follow the Blues,' Mohammad Kaif selected Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma as the opening batsmen, with Rishabh Pant taking the role of wicketkeeper-batter. Kaif stressed the importance of including all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja to bolster batting depth, along with the skilled bowler Kuldeep Yadav and fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
"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. 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.
Yuzvendra Chahal Over Ravichandran Ashwin
Mohammad Kaif chose Yuzvendra Chahal over Ravichandran Ashwin as the backup spinner in the team. Kaif emphasized Chahal's skill and his effectiveness in conditions conducive to spin bowling, particularly in 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 added further.
Shivam Dube And Riyan Parag Make It Into Kaif’s T20 World Cup Squad
Kaif included Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag in his 15-member squad, while Rinku Singh was excluded. Both Dube and Parag are experiencing a remarkable run in the ongoing IPL 2024 season for their respective franchises.
“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,” Kaif stated.
India will commence their World Cup journey against Ireland in New York on June 5, followed by matches against Pakistan, the United States, and Canada. The much-awaited India-Pakistan showdown is set for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.