(Credit X)
S Sreesanth opted not to include Chennai Super Kings standout Shivam Dube in his chosen lineup for the India versus Ireland fixture at the T20 World Cup.
Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya showcased their prowess in India’s sole warm-up match against Bangladesh ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. With their explosive batting, they propelled Rohit Sharma’s team to victory in New York. Additionally, pacer Arshdeep Singh made significant contributions with the ball against Bangladesh.
Following India’s convincing victory against Bangladesh, captain Rohit acknowledged that the 2007 World Cup champions are still refining their batting order for the upcoming global tournament. Despite limiting Bangladesh to 122 for nine, Rohit and his team secured a 60-run triumph at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Team India is set to face Ireland in their World Cup opener on Wednesday.
Former India fast bowler Shanthakumaran Nair Sreesanth expressed his support for youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal to partner captain Rohit at the top of the order ahead of India’s World Cup campaign opener. “In my opinion, India’s World Cup playing XI should feature Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, with Virat Kohli at No.3, Suryakumar Yadav at No.4, followed by Rishabh Pant at No.5 and Hardik Pandya at No.6. Ravindra Jadeja should occupy the No.7 spot, followed by the bowlers,” Sreesanth stated in an interview with Star Sports.
In the warm-up match between India and Bangladesh, power-hitter Sanju Samson partnered with captain Rohit at the top of the order, with Rajasthan Royals skipper arriving before Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, Samson’s innings was short-lived as he fell victim to left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam after scoring just one run off six balls. Despite this setback, top-ranked batter Suryakumar Yadav played a crucial role with the bat, scoring 31 runs off 18 deliveries to contribute to India’s match-winning total. Former India pacer Sreesanth opted to include Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal in his lineup, reuniting the ‘Kul-Cha’ spin duo for the Indian team.
Sreesanth’s India playing XI for T20 World Cup:
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
