There is less than a year to go before the extravagant T20 World Cup. The teams world over are trying different combinations and testing their bench strength before the tournament. The fast paced-game of T20 needs players who can impact the game.
India will no doubt be one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but it will be important to get the 15-man squad right. Going by the performance of the team over the last few months and the conditions in Australia where the World Cup takes place, we have compiled the squad that should be on the flight to the shores of Australia.
The Indian captain and one of the greatest batsmen of his generation his spot is confirmed in the squad. Kohli will captain the team and would be looking to lead his side to first T20 World Cup triumph since 2017.
Having been unable to help his side to win any of the ICC tournaments since 2013, he and his team will be eager to change that fact. If India are to win the tournament, a lot will depend on his Kohli's batting and leadership.
Another important cog in India's lineup is Rohit Sharma. A consistent run getter and solid rock at the top of the order, the Mumbai batsman is as important as Virat Kohli to the team.??
His fast starts give team the perfect platform to build on, and he will be vital to India's chances of winning the tournament.
The man slated to open the innings with Rohit, KL Rahul will be expected to complement his opening partner. A player who has all the shots in the book, Rahul will have this opportunity to show his potential on a big stage. With Shikhar Dhawan struggling with injuries, Rahul will have to fill the gap.??
?A talented player who is yet to show his best, Shreyas Iyer is slowly but steadily growing in confidence. Still new to international cricket, he is yet to establish himself in the team. Expected to bat at number four, Shreyas will have to chip in with good contributions with the bat and keep the middle order firing.??
Facing flak for his poor performances, Rishabh Pant has the support of the team management. Though he has not lived up to his potential so far, he is expected to be India's first choice as wicketkeeper.??
The Karnataka batsman has been in and out of the side for years now. He has so far failed to cement his place in the team and failed to produce the goods. Yet, he still has to prove himself in this tournament.?
He might be injured, but he will in all probability make the World Cup squad. He is a player who can bowl and bat, and will be very important to the side. He gives India the fifth bowling option, and is handy with the bat lower down the order. Watch out for fireworks.
The left arm orthodox bowler, he is very accurate with his lines and length. A very economical bowler, he is hard to put away. He has also improved his batting which is a massive plus.
Now a premier fast bowler, Shami is among the best bowlers in the world. With pace and ability to swing the ball, he is a tough nut to crack. Indian captain Kohli has confirmed that Shami is in the squad.
Arguably India's most important bowler in the T20 format, Bumrah can get you wickets at the start, and bowl the yorkers at the end with great ease. He will be as important to the team as Kohli and Rohit.
The left-arm chinaman bowler will a handful on the pitches that don't offer much turn. His variations are key as he can get the bowl to spin both ways without pitch playing much role. He will probably be India's go to spinner.
The leg spinner will be another option in spin department if India go with only one of either Kuldeep Yadav or Ravindra Jadeja. He ican be economical and a genuine wicket taker.
He has been brilliant in his early, small career. He swings the ball and has a range of slower balls. Deepak Chahar has performed admirably since coming into the side and deserves a place in the side.
Another pacer who is great with his line and length, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a great option. He also has the ability to bowl at the end overs, which is what you need in the shortest form of the game.
Sanju could be the answer to India's middle order woes. A sweet-timer of the ball and a batsman with great potential, he could well be unleashed in the T20 World Cup next year.
Other probabilities:
MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, Kedar Jadhav, Khalil Ahmed, Shivam Dube