The anticipation for the T20 World Cup 2024 is palpable, coinciding with the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where players vie for spots in the national team. Scheduled to commence on June 1, the tournament will be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies. Team India is slated to face Ireland in their opening match on June 5.
Meanwhile, former cricketers and cricket experts are expressing their opinions regarding the squad selections for the World Cup. There were speculations that Abhishek Sharma could be included in the T20 World Cup squad. However, Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh voiced his opposition to Abhishek’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad despite Abhishek’s impressive IPL performances.
Yuvraj Singh’s unexpected dissent
Yuvraj believes Abhishek would not be quite ready for the World Cup, even though he had impressed in the IPL with a high strike rate. Yuvraj felt the left-hand batter would need to convert his early success into bigger scores. According to Yuvraj, the World Cup squad would require experience. However, he saw potential in Abhishek, suggesting he would be ready for India selection in the future. In the coming six months, Abhishek’s focus should be on honing his skills to be prepared for a Team India call-up after the World Cup.
“Abhishek is almost there but I don’t think he is ready for the World Cup right now,” Yuvraj said on Cricbuzz.
“For the World Cup, we have to take an experienced side. Obviously some guys have played for India. After the World Cup, he should be prepared to play for India. That is what he should focus on. Coming six months will be very important for Abhishek,” he added.
Also READ: Waqar Younis selects Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024
Abhishek Sharma’s impressive IPL journey
Abhishek has carved a niche for himself in the IPL since his debut in 2018. Across 55 matches, he has amassed a total of 1180 runs. His aggressive batting style is evident in his blistering strike rate of 150. The 2024 season saw him continue his impressive form for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In just 8 matches, he racked up 288 runs with a remarkable strike rate of 218 and a healthy average of 36 in the 17th edition of the tournament.
