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Sanjay Manjrekar, a former India cricketer, believes that selectors played it safe with the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. According to the cricketer-turned-commentator, the team management favored experience over youth for the tournament.
Manjrekar wrote, “It felt as though the Indian selectors played it safe with their selections for the T20 World Cup squad. In picking Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it was a clear message that they were not yet ready to commit to the youth.” He even acknowledged how the cautious approach could not stop India from showcasing a dynamic brand of cricket.
“The way India have batted so far conveys that even though selections have taken a more traditional and cautious route, the brand of cricket on show is going to be modern and dynamic,” he added.
Sanjay Manjrekar also commented on how India’s strategy for the T20 World Cup 2024 represents a departure from previous approaches that fans haven’t seen before. He wrote, “The brand of cricket India are playing in this WC is one we have never seen before, and something we are trying to come to terms with.”
Discussing India’s Super Eight match against Bangladesh, Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out the disappointment among fans when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed early. However, the former cricketer believed India were still on course as they had ample batting resources remaining. “India were going at nine runs an over despite losing Rohit and Virat by the ninth over on a 150-par score pitch. India were going fine; they still had plenty of batting left — six batters, to be specific, with 11 overs to go,” he felt.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made significant contributions in India’s match against Bangladesh on June 22 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Rohit Sharma provided a strong start with a rapid 23 runs off 11 balls as the Indian captain. Virat Kohli followed with a commendable innings of 37 runs, while Rishabh Pant added 36 more runs. These performances were pivotal as India secured a convincing 50-run victory.
Now, India is gearing up to face Australia in their last Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2024.
