The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, has outlined the departure plan for the Indian cricket team ahead of the much-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Departure of Team India for T20 World Cup 2024
To optimize player availability and manage workloads, the Indian team will travel to the USA, which co-hosts the tournament alongside the West Indies, in two batches.
Players whose teams haven’t secured a playoff spot in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) will form the first contingent. This group, including coaching staff, will depart on May 24th.
The remaining players, those featuring in the IPL playoffs, will join the squad after the culmination of the league. Their departure is scheduled for May 26th, following the IPL final.
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Focus on player management
Shah emphasized the importance of managing player workloads, particularly in light of the demanding IPL schedule. He explained, “Look at how well Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma played the other day [referencing an IPL match]. If [Jasprit] Bumrah gets to bowl to Head, what better opportunity is there to practise?” This suggests the BCCI is using the remaining IPL matches as a platform for players to maintain form and potentially face opponents they might encounter at the World Cup.
Shah also highlighted the team’s experience, stating they’ve opted for a “better team couldn’t have been selected.” He emphasized the importance of a strong core, especially considering the unfamiliar conditions the team might face in the USA.
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With the departure dates confirmed, Team India’s quest for their second T20 World Cup title officially begins. The strategic approach to player travel and the emphasis on an experienced team suggest the BCCI is determined to see India lift the trophy in the USA and the West Indies.
