Mohammad Kaif’s T20 World Cup Squad Preference Raises Eyebrows; Omits Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill

April 13, 2024 0 1011

Mohammad Kaif stirred up a debate with his surprising picks for the T20 World Cup squad, including the exclusion of in-form players Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill.

Recently, many cricket experts have opined about the probable T20 World Cup squad for India. Joining the conversation, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has also named his 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 WC, sparking discussions among fans with the omission of the in-form Rinku Singh.

Rinku Singh has been a household name since his heroics for the Kolkata Knight Riders last year, where he smashed five consecutive sixes to win the match against the Gujarat Titans. He has since made his international debut for India, amassing impressive scores in both T20Is and ODIs. Despite his recent success, Kaif opted for Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag, citing their current form in the ongoing IPL season.

“I will go with Shivam Dube. He is in great form and plays spin splendidly. He drives the game very well after six overs. I will take Riyan Parag’s name. He is playing exceptionally well and deserves to be in the squad,” told Kaif on a show aired by Star Sports, as quoted by the Times of India.

Also Read: India’s T20 WC Strategy: Simon Doull Recommends Virat Kohli’s Opening, Rinku Singh’s Inclusion

Kaif’s selection also raised eyebrows with his choice of wicketkeeper. While Rishabh Pant, returning from injury, was named the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, no designated backup was included in the squad.

Another surprise omission was Shubman Gill. Instead, Kaif opted for Rohit Sharma and the currently out-of-form Yashasvi Jaiswal as specialist openers. “Yashasvi Jaiswal will open alongside Rohit Sharma. Then Virat Kohli at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, Hardik Pandya at No. 5, and Rishabh Pant at No. 6. I will keep a lot of all-rounders because you need batting depth. So, I will say Axar at No. 7 and Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8. After that, Kuldeep Yadav, who is a skilled bowler, was at No. 9. Then there were two fast bowlers—Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. That makes it your XI,” said the 43-year-old.

Explaining his spinner selection for the T20 World Cup, Kaif highlighted Chahal’s experience in conditions where the ball spins. “I feel you will have to keep Chahal. He brings the option of a leg-spinner. Ashwin went last time. He is not taking that many wickets this time (in the IPL). I believe Chahal is a very good bowler in those conditions where the ball will turn,” concluded the veteran Indian batter.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Opens Up on His Ultimate Ambition to Win the ICC World Cup Trophy