Odisha Bytes has got a great response from its readers and cricket buffs to whom we had requested to share their Dream Indian Team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Here goes the third article in the Dream Team series:
The first opener who is also the captain of the team is Rohit Sharma. Although form hasn’t been on his side in recent times, he is a proven big-match player and is expected to lead the Indian batting with his experience and expertise.
His partner will be KL Rahul, who seems to have recovered from injuries. His numbers in the IPL since 2018 have been just phenomenal as he became the first player to score 500-plus runs in 5 consecutive seasons.
The backup openers for the team will be Shikhar Dhawan and Ishan Kishan.
Virat Kohli factor
There are debates over whether Virat Kohli should be considered for the No. 3 spot. In my opinion, absolutely yes. For someone who has served Indian cricket for so long and has taken the team to great heights, his achievements should not be forgotten so easily. Kohli is considered to be one of the greats and I believe there is still a lot of cricket left in him. A senior player like him should be batting in the prized No. 3 spot as he is capable of handling tough situations.
Surya automatic choice at No. 4
The No. 4 spot undoubtedly goes to Suryakumar Yadav, who is currently the highest-ranked Indian batsman in T20Is. He has time and again shown his worth and is expected to continue his good run throughout the World Cup. Rishabh Pant takes the No. 5 spot, and will also be the wicketkeeper. Consistency will be the key for him as he has not been able to maintain his form in longer formats in T20Is.
High hopes on Pandya
Hardik Pandya will take the all-rounder’s slot without contest. He’s a great athlete too, and and asset on the field. Ravindra Jadeja is out following a surgery, so Axar Patel whould replace him.
Bumrah leads bowling pack
Jasprit Bumrah will obviously lead the bowling attack. He will be able to exploit the bounce and pace on Australian pitches, and will prove to be a nightmare for the opponents. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience and recent exploits, along with the swing he gets with new ball, can be a big factor for the Indian team in power play overs. The third specialist seamer in the playing XI will be Harshal Patel, whose death-over bowling is an asset.
Leggie Yuzvendra Chahal will be the specialist spinner. His performances have been underrated and he provides the big breakthroughs in middle overs. The big grounds in Australia will allow him to toss the ball just outside off stump, which is one of his strengths.
It’s a team chosen to suit conditions in Australia, where pitches present a different challenge compared to those in subcontinent or the UAE.
MY DREAM XI
Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.
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