Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has shared his insights on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, slated to happen in West Indies and the USA from June 1. Chopra believes Team India will keep continuity by fielding an nearly equivalent lineup to the 2022 version, with Rohit Sharma on the helm. Chopra, in a latest YouTube commentary, highlighted the challenges confronted by all-rounder Hardik Pandya on account of health points. With Pandya’s return unsure, Chopra anticipates Rohit Sharma taking cost because the captain, main the squad by the event.
In right this moment’s Cricket Chaupaal, let’s analyse the T20I Team Selection prospects. _
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— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 7, 2024
“Hardik will probably not be the captain because there is an issue regarding fitness. You are not playing currently. You twisted your ankle in the World Cup. You are not playing the Afghanistan series and you don’t play Tests in any case, so you will straightaway play the IPL. It is going against him,” mentioned Aakash.
“I feel Rohit Sharma will be doing T20I captaincy and will also be the captain for the 2024 T20 World Cup. If you had asked this question after the 2022 T20 World Cup, it was almost certain he would not be the captain, considering the way the team performed as we were scoring 60 runs in the first 10 overs,” he added.
Hardik Pandya’s Injury Layoff
Pandya has been sidelined since October 19, nursing an ankle damage sustained throughout the ICC Cricket World Cup. His absence has led to Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul taking cost in T20Is and ODIs, respectively. Recently appointed as Mumbai Indians’ captain, Pandya’s health stays a priority for Team India.
Key Players in Top Form
Aakash Chopra emphasised the spectacular performances of key gamers, together with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, within the ICC Cricket World Cup. Based on their latest kind, Chopra predicts the trio can be instrumental in India’s marketing campaign, resulting in a lineup just like the earlier version.
“However, time elapsed and none of these players played T20Is for India. The ODI World Cup happened, where you played very well and reached the final. Rohit Sharma gave explosive starts, Virat Kohli was the Player of the Tournament, and KL Rahul did an amazing job down the order,” mentioned Aakash.
“Suddenly you say that everyone is doing well. So I feel, giving weightage to the recent form, it will be an almost identical team. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be there and I would not be surprised if KL Rahul is also there,” he concluded.
Tournament Schedule and India’s Group Stage Matches
The ICC has unveiled the schedule, setting the stage for an intense competitors. India finds itself in Group A alongside Ireland, Pakistan, Canada, and the USA. The Men in Blue kick off their marketing campaign in opposition to Ireland on June 5, adopted by a high-stakes conflict in opposition to arch-rival Pakistan on June 9. The remaining two group stage video games can be in opposition to Canada and the USA on June 12 and June 15, respectively.
Expanded Format and Venues
This yr’s T20 World Cup options 20 groups, up from 16 within the 2022 version. The event spans six venues within the West Indies and three within the USA. The high two groups from every group progress to the Super 8 stage, promising an prolonged and riveting competitors.