Two longstanding rivals will compete in a crucial group at the T20 World Cup, while two neighboring teams will be accompanied by a skilled European side.
The Asian rivals will face tough competition from co-hosts USA, Canada, and Ireland in Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will witness 20 teams vying for the prestigious title in T20I cricket.
In Group A, India and Pakistan, joined by USA, Canada, and Ireland, form an intriguing mix.
Let’s delve into what Group A has in store for the upcoming tournament:
India
India heads into the T20 World Cup with a strong urge to break their string of close misses in global events, having fallen short in recent tournaments after reaching close to victory.
With a formidable squad at their disposal, India is now in a position to reclaim the title they last secured in the inaugural edition held in 2007.
Led by the experienced Rohit Sharma, who begins his second stint as captain in the T20 World Cup, the team showcases a formidable top-order lineup consisting of talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.
The form of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson adds to the team’s strength, creating a pleasant selection dilemma for Rohit and the management in choosing the wicket-keeper for the World Cup campaign.
India’s all-round ability is further reinforced by players like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, providing depth and versatility to the team. The bowling department is not lacking in talent, with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, and others ensuring a well-balanced lineup.
India kicks off their tournament against Ireland on 5 June before facing a highly-anticipated match against Pakistan on 9 June in New York.
Squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Fixtures
vs Ireland – Wed, 5 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time
vs Pakistan – Sun, 9 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time
vs USA – Wed, 12 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time
vs Canada – Sat, 15 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time
Key Player – Jasprit Bumrah
India’s team will receive a boost from Jasprit Bumrah’s return after he missed the previous T20 World Cup in 2022 due to injury.
Since his comeback, Bumrah has reaffirmed his crucial role in the team, showcasing his skills with 20 wickets in 11 matches during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 held at home.
His T20 form has been outstanding, with 20 wickets in 13 matches for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, despite the team’s challenges in the competition.
Bumrah’s versatile set of skills will be key in the distinct conditions of the USA and the Windies, where India will play their group matches, as his ability to vary his deliveries will be pivotal.
