New Delhi: Indian team led by Rohit Sharma on Friday met the governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau AC, and other notables in Melbourne ahead of their T20 World Cup 2022 tournament opener against Pakistan.
"The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, the Governor of Victoria (@VicGovernor) and other dignitaries met the Indian Cricket Team today ahead of the #T20WorldCup," the BCCI tweeted.
India will play against Pakistan in their T20 World Cup campaign opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23 and a victory in the match would oust the terrors of the T20 World Cup 2021 and produce plenty of momentum for Rohit Sharma's team.
India head into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with high hopes of ending their 15-year drought and claiming their second title thanks to a side packed with talent with both bat and ball.
The Men in Blue will be looking to reach the semi-finals for the fourth time at their eighth appearance at an ICC Men's T20 World Cup before powering on to victory in Australia. Men in Blue will face Bangladesh, South Africa, and Pakistan in Group 2 of the Super 12, alongside Netherlands and Zimbabwe. India's T20 World Cup history has been one of frustration since claiming the first-ever title in 2007.
Irfan Pathan was the hero 15 years ago, as he took three for 16 as India edged Pakistan by five runs in Johannesburg.
India have a wealth of options with the bat with the like of in-form batters KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, the task will be to get the selection right and ensure those trusted perform at the crease.
The injury of star bowler Jasprit Bumrah is a blow, but they will take solace in having the outstanding Bhuvneshwar Kumar lead the bowling attack. Bhuvneshwar is one of the most electric pace bowlers of his day, with the ability to swing the ball both ways a potentially key skill Down Under. The veteran pacer will be joined by 23-year-old youngster Arshdeep Singh.