T20 World Cup: What India's selected 15 bring to the table

The BCCI selectors have mostly gone on expected lines to pick India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. TOI gives you the lowdown on what the ‘selected 15’ bring to the table.

ROHIT SHARMA (captain)

The India captain has been playing in a free-flowing manner since the ODI WC last year. Rohit’s strike-rate in the ongoing IPL has been 160.30, giving rousing starts to MI.

IPL 2024: Matches 9, Runs 311, Average 38.87, Strike Rate 160.30

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 237, Average 26.33, Strike Rate 129.51

YASHASVI JAISWAL

Left-handed batsman Jaiswal gives a left-right opening option at the top. There was no doubt about his selection, but form seemed to desert him at the start of the IPL. An unbeaten 104 against MI probably sealed Jaiswal’s selection for the World Cup.

IPL 2024: Matches 9, Runs 249, Average 31.12, Strike Rate 154.65

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 270, Average 30.00, Strike Rate 162.55

VIRAT KOHLI

Top-scorer in the IPL 2024 presently, Kohli brings temperament and stability to the batting line-up. He can be the glue around which the team can construct an innings. While he is at the crease, other batters can go gung-ho right from the start.

IPL 2024: Matches 10, Runs 500, Average 71.42, Strike Rate 147.49

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 377, Average 62.83, Strike Rate 139.11

SURYAKUMAR YADAV

Indian team’s X-factor and ICC’s No. 1 ranked T20I batsman, Surya is the cog around which the batting revolves. He will have to fire on all cylinders for India to have a chance of winning the tournament.

IPL 2024: Matches 6, Runs 166, Average 27.66, Strike Rate 171.13

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 444, Average 49.33, Strike Rate 163.84

RISHABH PANT (wicketkeeper)

Pant has made an extraordinary return to the cricket field after his car crash in December 2022. His buccaneering batting (strike rate of 158.56) in the IPL made him a sure-shot selection. He is expected to be the finisher for the Indian team.

IPL 2024: Matches 11, Runs 398, Average 44.22, Strike Rate 158.56

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 90, Average 15.00, Strike Rate 128.57

HARDIK PANDYA (vice-captain)

Form has eluded India’s premier allrounder with both bat and ball in the IPL. Still, Hardik is the best bet as a fast-bowling allrounder. Along with Pant, he will have the responsibility of providing the big hits towards the end of the innings.

IPL 2024: Matches 9, Runs 197, Average 24.62, Strike Rate 151.53

Wickekts 4, Average 56.75, Economy Rate 11.94

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 159, Average 22.71, Strike Rate 111.19

Wickets 11, Average 22.09, Economy Rate 7.59

SHIVAM DUBE

Absolutely brutal against any form of spin bowling, Dube can be a floater in the Indian batting line-up. With spin expected to play a big role in the T20 World Cup as it’s being held in the Caribbean, Dube’s best use will be in the middle-overs phase.

IPL 2024: Matches 9, Runs 350, Average 58.33, Strike Rate 172.41

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 188, Average 62.67, Strike Rate 146.88

RAVINDRA JADEJA

As a left-arm spinner and a gun fielder, Jadeja has been on top of his game. But, of late, his ball-striking abilities have been on the wane. The ‘expected’ slow wickets in the Caribbean will be ideal for Jadeja’s skill set.

IPL 2024: Matches 9, Runs 157, Average 78.50, Strike Rate 131.93

Wickets 5, Average 46.80, Economy Rate 7.54

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 221, Average 36.83, Strike Rate 143.51

Wickets 6, Average 37.50, Economy Rate 7.80

KULDEEP YADAV

Kuldeep has been India’s lead spinner in white-ball cricket over the last one year. At the peak of his prowess, Kuldeep can change the course of a match during his bowling spell. Rohit will depend on him for wickets in the middle overs.

IPL 2024: Matches 8, Wickets 12, Average 21.83, Economy Rate 8.45

Last 10 T20Is: Wickets 15, Average 14.33, Economy Rate 6.35

JASPRIT BUMRAH

Indian team’s 'Most Valuable Player', Bumrah can bowl at any stage of a T20 game. In present times, he is the best exponent of the yorker in world cricket. Besides, he isn’t a one-trick pony and can win matches from desperate situations.

IPL 2024: Matches 9, Wickets 14, Average 17.07, Economy Rate 6.63

Last 10 T20Is: Wickets 13, Average 16.85, Economy Rate 6.14

ARSHDEEP SINGH

India’s highest wicket-taker since the 2022 T20 World Cup, Arshdeep brings variety with the left-armer’s angle. He can swing the new ball back into the right-handers which is his forte. Also possesses a decent yorker in his armoury.

IPL 2024: M 9 Wkts 12 Ave 25.16 E/R 9.63

Last 10 T20Is: Wkts 10 Ave 30.20 E/R 8.88

MOHAHMMED SIRAJ

Siraj has looked off-colour in the IPL but has previous performances for the national team to back his selection. On his day, he can be lethal with the new ball, but his ordinary death-bowling skills go against him.

IPL 2024: Matches 9 Wickets 6, Averate 53.83, Economy Rate 9.50

Last 10 T20Is: Wickets 12, Average 27.83, Economy Rate 8.79

AXAR PATEL

Of late, Axar has been in better form with both bat and ball in comparison with Jadeja. Unlike Jadeja, Axar’s ball-striking form is getting better with each passing game. He can be used as one of the all-round options depending on pitch conditions.

IPL 2024: Matches 11 Runs 149, Average 24.83, Strike Rate 124.16

Wickets 9, Average 29.77, Economy Rate 7.24

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 46, Average 11.50, Strike Rate 121.05

Wickets 12, Average 19.58, Economy Rate 6.35

YUZVENDRA CHAHAL

A well-deserved selection that gives the possibility of the pair of ‘Kul-Cha’ returning to don India colours. Chahal is a canny bowler who has the ability to bowl in difficult phases of the T20 game – whether during the Powerplay or in the death overs.

IPL 2024: Matches 9, Wickets 13, Average 23.53, Economy Rate 9.00

Last 10 T20Is: Wickets 9, Average 32.00, Economy Rate 9.00

SANJU SAMSON (wicketkeeper)

Samson broke into the team with an outstanding IPL season so far, averaging 77.00 and striking at 161.08 for Rajasthan Royals. Also, has led the team astutely. He plays spin and pace with equal efficacy with no perceptible weakness.

IPL 2024: Matches 9, Runs 385, Average 77.00, Strike Rate 161.08

Last 10 T20Is: Runs 93, Average 13.29, Strike Rate 127.40