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At a recent event organized by India Champions, one of the six teams in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), former cricketer Suresh Raina shared his insights on the 15-member squad selected for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Suresh Raina’s insights: India’s X factor
Raina singled out Shivam Dube as the potential X factor who could significantly impact India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup. According to Raina, Dube’s ability to both bat and bowl makes him a vital asset for the team. His dual skill set could be instrumental in key matches, providing the team with flexibility and depth. Raina emphasized that Dube’s presence, alongside the established all-rounder Hardik Pandya, positions India strongly heading into the tournament.
“Shivam Dube is a six-hitting machine. He can be X factor in World Cup. But if Shivam has to be in XI, then you can’t play Yashasvi. Rohit has to take that call and I prefer both pace-bowling all rounders in XI,” Raina was quoted as saying by the PTI.
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India’s strength
India have historically struggled to find fast-bowling all-rounders who can contribute effectively with both bat and ball. The inclusion of both Hardik and Shivam could address this gap, enhancing the team’s overall balance and performance potential. With these two all-rounders, India will aim to leverage their aggressive batting and wicket-taking abilities to their advantage.
India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign
India’s performance in the T20 World Cup has seen ups and downs, with their last triumph coming in the inaugural edition in 2007. The 2022 T20 World Cup saw India being knocked out by England in the semi-finals.
With a renewed squad and a focus on breaking their ICC trophy drought, India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Hardik, will be determined to reclaim the prestigious title. They are placed in Group A alongside Ireland, Pakistan, United States of America (USA) and Canada, setting the stage for intense competition as they aim to advance beyond the group stages and secure their first T20 World Cup in over a decade.
