Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has outlined what he believes to be the ideal bowling combination for India as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue are set to kick off their campaign on June 5 against Ireland in New York. India’s 15-man squad for the tournament includes two seam-bowling all-rounders: Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.
Sunil Gavaskar suggests that Pandya should be utilized as the second pace bowler, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as the lone specialist seamer. Additionally, he advocates for the inclusion of three spinners in the playing XI, though he did not specify which spinners should be selected.
“A balanced bowling attack is the most important in West Indies so that India can go with three spinners and two fast bowlers, with Hardik Pandya as the backup fast bowler. I think this will maintain the balance of the team,” Sunil Gavaskar shared in an interview with Dainik Jagran.
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Gavaskar also expressed his views on India’s overall squad composition for the marquee event. He believes that the team, led by Rohit Sharma, has a good mix of experienced players and emerging talents. The former captain highlighted the presence of seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, alongside promising young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dube.
“I believe that this is a team that has a good mix of experience and youth. Along with Rohit, Virat, Surya, Bumrah, there are young players like Yashasvi, Rishabh, Shivam, who strengthen the team,” Sunil Gavaskar added. “It cannot be said who the four semi-finalists will be because in my view all the teams look balanced,” he noted.
India is placed in Group A, alongside Ireland, Pakistan, USA, and Canada. Before their first match, they will play a solitary warm-up game against Bangladesh on Saturday, June 1, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
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Reflecting on India’s previous T20 World Cup performance in 2022, where they lost to eventual champions England in the semi-final by 10 wickets, the team is eager to improve and potentially secure their first ICC title since 2013. The blend of experienced players and rising stars in this squad has fueled hopes that India can finally end their long wait for another major international trophy.
