Former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad has once again stirred up discussions with his recent social media post, advocating for the selection of the “best 15 T20 players in India” for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. With less than two months remaining until the tournament kicks off on June 1, anticipation is building among cricket enthusiasts.
The event is slated to take place in the West Indies and the United States of America following the culmination of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Prasad emphasizes that performances in IPL 2024 will serve as a significant yardstick for selecting the squad bound for the Americas.
Given the vast pool of talent available, Venkatesh Prasad urges selectors to meticulously handpick the cream of the crop. Expressing confidence in India’s prospects, the former cricketer asserts that clinching the 2024 T20 World Cup is within reach if the team management opts for the best available players. India’s last T20 World Cup triumph dates back to 2007 in South Africa.
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“I hope and pray that the best 15 T20 players in India are on the plane for the T20 World Cup. We can win the tournament with the talent we have but important to pick the best,” Prasad stated in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).
I hope and pray that the best 15 T20 players in India are on the plane for the T20 World Cup.
We can win the tournament with the talent we have but important to pick the best.— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) April 14, 2024
Prasad’s remarks surfaced following the conclusion of the IPL 2024 match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, where Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube’s impressive performances propelled CSK to victory over MI by 20 runs.
In an earlier post, Venkatesh Prasad articulated his preferences for the Indian middle-order, spotlighting specific players he deems essential. He highlighted Shivam Dube’s prowess against spinners, Suryakumar Yadav’s stature as the premier T20 international batsman, and Rinku Singh’s remarkable finishing skills.
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Venkatesh Prasad envisages the inclusion of these three players alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, leaving room for just a keeper-batsman. The dynamics of the team composition for the T20 WC are poised to be intriguing.
Shivam Dube for his striking ability against spinners, Surya for being the best T20 international batter and Rinku Singh for his exceptional finishing ability. It will be great if India finds a way to have these 3 in the 11 in the T20 WC. With Virat and Rohit , this will leave…
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) April 8, 2024
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been standout performers in IPL 2024, featuring prominently among the tournament’s top scorers. Suryakumar Yadav’s stature as the world’s top T20I batsman adds weight to Prasad’s endorsement, while Rinku Singh has showcased explosive ball-striking abilities despite limited opportunities. Shivam Dube’s transformation into a formidable middle-order batter under CSK’s tutelage further intensifies the competition for coveted spots in the Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
