As the IPL 2024 season nears its conclusion, players gear up for the impending T20 World Cup 2024, slated to commence on May 26. However, with the IPL finale coinciding closely with the World Cup, the Indian team won’t have the luxury of a comprehensive training camp. 

English players, including Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, will exit the IPL early to prep for the Pakistan T20I series, aligning with their World Cup preparations. This shift raises concerns about the Indian squad’s readiness for the global tournament.

Harbhajan Singh, a key figure in India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, shared insights on the challenging IPL schedule. He advocated for a strategic training approach akin to the English Cricket Board’s (ECB) plan.

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“I think with this IPL scheduling, it is so difficult to have everyone together to play a few matches. But yes, we have two games in America before the tournament starts,” said Harbhajan Singh, emphasizing the importance of cohesive team preparation.

Expressing the need for collective practice matches against top teams like England or Australia in the lead-up to the World Cup, Harbhajan underscored the significance of acclimatization and team synergy.

“Going forward, it is a great suggestion. When you are playing a tournament like the World Cup or WTC, the team should play together for 10–15 days, it will be better,” noted the former cricketer, emphasizing the value of cohesive gameplay and camaraderie.

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As India enters Group A alongside Canada, Ireland, Pakistan, and USA, they brace for their World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5. With limited pre-tournament preparation, the Indian squad aims to leverage every opportunity for match practice to kickstart their World Cup journey on a positive note.