T20 World Cup 2024 squad predictions: Hardik Pandya's absence raises eyebrows in Harbhajan Singh's selection
PTC Web Desk: The cricket world is buzzing with anticipation as the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, set to debut in the USA and return to the West Indies after a hiatus since 2010. For Team India, this tournament presents a golden opportunity to end their 11-year-long drought without an ICC trophy. Despite numerous chances over the years, India has faltered, entering tournaments as favourites, but failing to clinch victory.
As the deadline for squad selection looms on May 1, the excitement mounts with former cricketers offering their predictions. Notably, Hardik Pandya finds himself excluded from several squad predictions, including those by Ambati Rayudu, Irfan Pathan, Virender Sehwag, and now Harbhajan Singh. Instead, Harbhajan opts for Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh to fulfill the all-rounder role.
Harbhajan Singh's squad sees Rohit Sharma leading the charge alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as the opener, followed by Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. The decision to choose Jaiswal over Shubman Gill sparks debate, despite Gill's strong IPL 2024 performance. Meanwhile, Hardik's absence from the squad raises eyebrows, with Dube stepping in as a replacement.
Sanju Samson earns a spot as the backup wicketkeeper, impressing with his recent performances for the Rajasthan Royals. Ravindra Jadeja joins as the second all-rounder, while the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal reunites. Chahal, despite being India's leading T20I wicket-taker, has yet to feature in a T20 World Cup.
In the absence of Mohammed Shami, sidelined due to injury, Harbhajan opts for young pacers Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav to bolster India's fast-bowling department. With Avesh's consistent performances for the Delhi Capitals and Mayank's impressive speed, the duo adds depth to the bowling lineup.
As India prepares to unveil its final squad, the cricketing world eagerly awaits to see if this could be the year they break the ICC trophy drought and claim T20 World Cup glory.
- With inputs from agencies
