Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag revealed his preferred India XI for the T20 World Cup excluding Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya, citing the all-rounder’s recent lackluster IPL performance.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, disclosed his ideal India XI for the T20 World Cup, omitting Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. Sehwag’s selection included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli with a bowling lineup comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Rinku Singh or Shivam Dubai. Out of those two, one. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Sandeep Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja.” Sehwag said.
The former opener’s decision sparked surprise from Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, who expected Pandya’s inclusion. Sehwag defended his choice, suggesting Pandya should be part of the squad but not the playing XI. “He should be in the 15. Yeah, but you ask. Eleven,” he added.
Hardik has struggled in the current IPL season, with only 151 runs from eight matches at an average of 21.57. With the ball, he has taken just four wickets, conceding 186 runs at an average of 46.50. Sehwag chose Shivam Dube over Pandya, to strengthen India’s late-order batting.
He also appointed Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper, edging out Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan, all of whom had recent national appearances.
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The BCCI’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will reportedly convene in Delhi to finalize the 15-member squad for the upcoming tournament. With the T20 World Cup looming just a week after IPL’s conclusion, Pandya’s form could impact his selection chances before the May 1 deadline for submitting the provisional squad to the ICC.
Last Updated on April 24, 2024
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