Former India pacer and 2011 World Cup winner Zaheer Khan has identified his top four preferred seamers for the Indian squad in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled for June in West Indies and USA.
In an exclusive conversation on Colors Cineplex, Zaheer Khan named Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep as his initial three choices for seamers in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
"I feel you will see (Jasprit) Bumrah and (Mohammed) Siraj for sure. After that, Arshdeep (Singh), you will get a slight variation because he is a left-armer. He bowls good yorkers. So that is an added advantage."
The former Indian pacer suggests that Mohammed Shami could serve as an X-factor for the Men in Blue at the upcoming global event.
"Then I believe (Mohammed) Shami because if he is fit and available, he can be an X-factor option for you during the World Cup. So I will pick these four pacers because four pacers should go for sure." Khan elaborated.
Bumrah and Siraj were given a rest during the T20I series against Afghanistan, while Shami was unavailable due to an ankle injury. The trio, known for their potency, played a crucial role in India's journey to the final of the ODI World Cup last year.
Pragyan Ojha expressed confidence in Bumrah and Siraj, considering them as confirmed choices for his preferred Indian pacers.
"If the master (Zaheer Khan) has said it, let's put a stamp on that itself. It's absolutely the right thing. If you talk about Bumrah and Siraj, they are confirmed. The only thing is that you need a left-arm seamer which Arshdeep offers."
India's T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule
In the group stages of the T20 World Cup 2024, Team India is scheduled to participate in the following matches:
India vs Ireland on June 5 (New York)
India vs Pakistan on June 9 (New York)
India vs USA on June 12 (New York)
India vs Canada on June 15 (Florida)