India’s T-20 World Cup squad has led to a widespread debate among experts and fans in the country. While there were many surprise inclusions in the 15-man squad, there were also some shocking exclusions that have left fans disappointed. Led by Rohit Sharma, the India side certainly does not lack the firepower needed to win the ICC World T-20 World Cup, but the common consensus is that some from the 15 selected are not actively the most in-form players in the country.
The bowling department led by Jaspirt Bumrah has raised a lot of concerns. While Bumrah is the world’s best T-20 bowler, he will still need help from his other bowlers. However, the selected bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are not in the best of form leading up to the tournament. To add to the misery, India’s other bowling options are Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. While Pandya has not looked like his usual self with the ball, Dube has not bowled throughout the IPL, which is again not a huge positive going into an ICC tournament.
The reserve squad comprises Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan as fast bowlers. Both of them have had decent IPL campaigns, but their ability to bowl at an international level is highly questionable. Looking at all these names, Jasprit Bumrah seems to be the only name that can be unanimously considered to be worthy of a place. With the game getting tougher for bowlers, the Indian team might have to revisit their strategy of taking bowlers that leak runs or else another heartbreak on the world stage looks likely.
Which fast bowler could have been added to the Indian team for the T-20 World Cup?
With scores over 200 being a common norm, IPL 2024 has proven to be a tough one for the bowlers. Fast bowlers have especially struggled and this has made the selection for the T-20 World Cup extremely difficult. Despite these problems, there are a few names that definitely deserved a shout for selection in the team.
T Natarajan has had a stellar IPL campaign, bagging 13 wickets in 7 games. He is currently second in the Purple Cap race behind the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahman, Harshal Patel, Matheesha Pathirana and Yuzvendra Chahal, who have all grabbed 13 wickets but have played more games than Natarajan.
He has bowled well in the death overs and given the Sunrisers another strong bowling option. Adding him to the 15-man squad could give a lot of stability to the Indian team. Another name that could have been a valuable addition to the World Cup side is Sandeep Sharma. The Rajasthan Royals’ bowler is enjoying his comeback season and is delivering on all cylinders for the table toppers.
Selectors could regret not making bold decisions
He has picked 8 wickets in just four games at an economy rate of just 7.13. His ability to swing the ball is for everyone to see, but despite all this, he has once again failed to grab the attention of the selectors. Having played 120 matches in the IPL, Sharma has picked 132 wickets, but it is his economy that stands tall. The 30-year-old has an economy rate of 7.84 in the IPL, which is better than many top international bowlers.
The fast-bowling lineup has the experience of playing on the biggest stage and that may have led to their selections. But the selectors should have made a bold decision as the squad needs good bowlers to compete against big hitters from countries like Australia, England and the West Indies.
