It has been seventeen long years and counting for the Indian Cricket Team. Since the win in Johannesburg, the T20 World Cup tournaments have frustrated the Indian fans. The team has failed to even appear in a final despite topping the rankings on various occasions. The 2024 T20 World Cup will be another chance to achieve the trophy that has eluded the men in blue for so long. Here is a potential list of players who can be the protagonists of achieving that dream.
Batsmen
| Name | Rohit Sharma |
| Age | 36 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm spin |
| T20I Matches | 148 |
| Runs | 3853 |
| Wickets | 1 |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
Rohit Sharma is the current T20 captain for the Indian National Team. Despite this fact, there are rumours circulating about the potential omission of Sharma from the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup squad. But it would be highly unlikely to see the only Indian player from the T20 World Cup squad not get a place in the current squad. Rohit Sharma is the 4th highest run scorer in the history of T20 World Cups. The legendary right-hander has scored 963 runs on the world stage. Indian management would have to be 100% sure whether they want to miss out on the huge experience of this 36 years old batter.
| Name | Shubman Gill |
| Age | 24 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm off break |
| T20I Matches | 11 |
| Runs | 321 |
| Wickets | |
| IPL Team | Gujarat Titans |
Shubman Gill has had a wonderful 2023 with the bat. The 24 year old opener from Punjab has been a constant member of the Test and ODI squads. Shubman Gill has a healthy average in the T20 format and likes to play aggressive cricket from the first ball. Gill has one fifty and one century from his career of 11 T20 internationals. A consistent performer in the domestic circuit, it would be fascinating to see how the opener performs in the 2024 IPL.
| Name | Ishan Kishan |
| Age | 25 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | |
| T20I Matches | 32 |
| Runs | 796 |
| Wickets | |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
Ishan Kishan has played more T20 international matches in his career than the other two formats combined. This is an indication that the 25 year old left-hander is considered to be a T-20 specialist. Kishan has already had six 50+ scores in his career. He has scored at a healthy striker rate at the start of the innings. However, the recent exclusion from the T20 squad against Afghanistan has indicated that the Indian management is looking beyond Ishan Kishan in this format.
| Name | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Age | 26 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm off break |
| T20I Matches | 17 |
| Runs | 458 |
| Wickets | |
| IPL Team | Chennai Super Kings |
Ruturaj Gaikwad has grown in stature over the last twelve months for India. The right hander has led his team at the 2023 Asian Games held in Hangzhou and claimed the gold medal for the first time. The Chennai Super Kings top order batsman has played 19 times for India at a strike rate of 140.1. Gaikwad also shone in the home series against Austrlia immediately after the World Cup.
| Name | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Age | 22 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm leg break |
| T20I Matches | 8 |
| Runs | 232 |
| Wickets | 0 |
| IPL Team | Rajasthan Royals |
Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the hottest prospects at the Indian cricket landscape at the moment. The southpaw opening batter from Uttar Pradesh has been impressive so far after his debut last year. Jaiswal is an explosive opener who is powerful and can find boundary in all corners of the ground. It would take something special for the 22 year old to break into the Indian first XI at T-20 level, but he will be an important inclusion in the squad.
| Name | Virat Kohli |
| Age | 35 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm medium |
| T20I Matches | 115 |
| Runs | 4008 |
| Wickets | 4 |
| IPL Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
Virat Kohli averages 518 during successful run chases at the T20 World Cups. How incredible this may sound, but it is true. The chase master is back in the T20 format after two years with the series against Afghanistan. Kohli averages 52.7 in international T20 games and strikes the ball at an impressive 138.0 rate. This would be the last opportunity for the champion batter to secure the trophy that has eluded him for so long.
| Name | Tilak Varma |
| Age | 21 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| T20I Matches | 15 |
| Runs | 310 |
| Wickets | 2 |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
Just like Jaiswal, Tilak Varma is also one for the future. The left hander is destined to do great things wearing the Indian jersey but this tournament might come a little too early for the batsman from Hyderabad. The left hander is a fine batsman though, his ability to rotate the strike is a valuable asset in this format. Varma is also adept in finding boundaries during the middle overs.
| Name | Rinku Singh |
| Age | 26 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | |
| T20I Matches | 12 |
| Runs | 262 |
| Wickets | |
| IPL Team | Kolkata Knight Riders |
Rinku Singh has become a fan favourite throughout India due to his finishing ability. The left hander was the best batsman for India in the series against Australia. Rinku has the perfect skillset for T20 batting, and his strike of 180.7 is a proof of his hitting ability. He possesses an incredible amount of hitting range for a man of such diminutive stature. 2024 T20 World Cup might just be the perfect platform for Rinku to get worldwide recognition.
Wicketkeepers
| Name | Sanju Samson |
| Age | 29 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | |
| T20I Matches | 24 |
| Runs | 374 |
| Wickets | |
| IPL Team | Rajasthan Royals |
Sanju Samson has played 152 games in the IPL, but his match number for the national team remains at 24. On his day, Samson is a fantastic batter capable of dismantling any bowling attack in the world. But Samson just might miss out on a spot due to the presence of KL Rahul and Jitesh Sharma in the squad. The returning Rishabh Pant could also make things complicated for the Kerala wicketkeeper batsman.
| Name | KL Rahul |
| Age | 31 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | |
| T20I Matches | 72 |
| Runs | 2265 |
| Wickets | |
| IPL Team | Lucknow Super Giants |
KL Rahul has established himself as a regular member in the Test and ODI formats for India. But the right hander was not picked for the series against Afghanistan. Rahul would have to show his ability once more in the 2024 IPL to get a call up for the World Cup team. The wicket keeper batsman from Mangalore is a fine player who can mix grace and aggression while batting at the crease.
| Name | Jitesh Sharma |
| Age | 30 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | |
| T20I Matches | 4 |
| Runs | 40 |
| Wickets | |
| IPL Team | Punjab Kings |
Jitesh Sharma is a reliable middle order batsman who can change his gear at any point in the innings. He can also keep the wicket, which is a valuable asset for a team that has been lacking in special wicketkeepers. Sharma has played 7 T-20 matches till date and his healthy strike of 150.0 makes him an attractive prospect in the shortest form of the game.
| Name | Suryakumar Yadav |
| Age | 33 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | |
| T20I Matches | 60 |
| Runs | |
| Wickets | 2141 |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
The best batsman in the T20 format in the world is facing a tough battle against time before the World Cup. Surayakumar Yadav led India quite dexterously in a series win against Australia. Suryakumar averages 45.5 in the T20 format with a blistering strike rate of 171.6. The Mumbai Indians superstar wil miss the first few games in the 2024 IPL due to a hernia injury. India would need the services of a master craftsman if they want to achieve something special at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
All-Rounders
| Name | Hardik Pandya |
| Age | 30 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm pacer |
| T20I Matches | 92 |
| Runs | 1348 |
| Wickets | 73 |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
India had to rue Hardik Pandya after the all-rounder got himself injured during the World Cup match against Bangladesh. The pace bowling all-rounder is an irreplaceable player who is a destructive force with the bat and a very handy bowler as well. Pandya has played 92 times in this format, and has a strike rate of 139.8 with the bat and averages 26.7 with the ball. But recurrent injuries have thwarted his growth on numerous occasions. The all-rounder picked up three wickets against Pakistan in the last tournament despite India losing the contest. The Gujarati is set to miss the third consecutive T20 series against Afghanistan due to an ankle issue.
| Name | Ravindra Jadeja |
| Age | 35 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Left arm orthodox |
| T20I Matches | 66 |
| Runs | 480 |
| Wickets | 53 |
| IPL Team | Chennai Super Kings |
Ravindra Jadeja can bat, he can bowl well. He is the best fielder in the world. There is no doubt Jadeja is one of the best all-rounders in the world. The Chennai Super Kings player missed the last edition with an injury. It would be interesting how much the Indian management is willing to accommodate him in the World Cup squad.
| Name | Axar Patel |
| Age | 29 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Left arm orthodox |
| T20I Matches | 50 |
| Runs | 361 |
| Wickets | 45 |
| IPL Team | Delhi Capitals |
Axar Patel is another left handed all rounder who can provide match winning performances in any sector. Axar unfortunately missed the 2023 World Cup after suffering from an injury. He will be eager to make up for lost time. The upcoming IPl tournament will be a crucial stage for the Gujarati all-rounder to showcase his talent and make his case stronger for a World Cup inclusion.
| Name | Shivam Dube |
| Age | 30 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm pace |
| T20I Matches | 18 |
| Runs | 152 |
| Wickets | 6 |
| IPL Team | Chennai Super Kings |
Shivam Dube is probably the only player in India who can replace Hardik Pandya to some extent. The 30 year all-rounder is a very useful bowler during the middle overs. He can also hit the ball over the boundary. Dube hasn’t made a single appearance against Australia but retained his place against Afghanistan. The management would like to see him play as Hardik Pandya faces another injury layoff.
| Name | Washington Sundar |
| Age | 24 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm off spin |
| T20I Matches | 40 |
| Runs | 107 |
| Wickets | 31 |
| IPL Team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
Bowlers
Washington Sundar made his international debut for India back in 2017. The 24 year old has not been able to nail down a spot on the Indian team. He can be good option as a off spinner as India does not have a major off spinner flourishing after Ravichandran Ashwin. Sundar is also capable of smashing the ball during the late overs.
| Name | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Age | 29 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Left arm leg spin |
| T20I Matches | 103 |
| Runs | 168 |
| Wickets | 58 |
| IPL Team | Delhi Capitals |
Kuldeep Yadav is one of the most improved bowlers in the world over the last year and a half. The 29 year old wrist spinner has worked extremely hard to increase his pace. He enjoyed a wonderful Asia Cup, then followed it up by a decent 2023 World Cup. Kuldeep’s miserly economy of 6.65 makes him a viable option for the skipper to call upon when the going gets tough.
| Name | Ravi Bishnoi |
| Age | 23 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm leg break |
| T20I Matches | 21 |
| Runs | 24 |
| Wickets | 34 |
| IPL Team | Lucknow Super Giants |
Ravi Bishnoi has been a revelation for Team India in the T20 format. The Rajasthani leg break bowler became the no.1 bowler in the world thanks to his dazzling display against the Aussies. Bishnoi is an expert operator who has a decent googly up his sleeve. The Rajasthani spinner has claimed 34 wickets already from just 21 games. It would be interesting in what capacity the 23 year old will be involved at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
| Name | Arshdeep Singh |
| Age | 24 |
| Batting Style | Left hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Left arm fast |
| T20I Matches | 40 |
| Runs | 34 |
| Wickets | 58 |
| IPL Team | Punjab Kings |
Arshdeep Singh is likely to take up the new ball for Team India in the World Cup. The 24 year old is not the quickest, but his variations make him a valuable addition to the team. Arshdeep was exceptional against Australia especially during the powerplay overs. The 24 year old is also capable of delivering crucial wickets during the death overs.
| Name | Mukesh Kumar |
| Age | 30 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm fast |
| T20I Matches | 11 |
| Runs | 5 |
| Wickets | 10 |
| IPL Team | Delhi Capitals |
Mukesh Kumar is enjoying life right now. The 23 year old pacer from Bihar has made his debut across all three formats in the last year. He is a smooth operator who can swing the ball both ways. Kumar has appeared for India 19 times in 2023. A good IPL performance can seal a perfect place for the pacer in the Indian team.
| Name | Avesh Khan |
| Age | 27 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm fast-medium |
| T20I Matches | 19 |
| Runs | 11 |
| Wickets | 18 |
| IPL Team | Lucknow Super Giants |
Avesh Khan can bowl past with the ability to nip the new ball. He also possesses a variety of deliveries including cutters and slower deliveries. The only issue with the 27 year old pacer is that he can be expensive against good batters. If he can fix that, Khan will be a dangerous bowler against any opponent.
| Name | Mohammed Shami |
| Age | 33 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm fast |
| T20I Matches | 23 |
| Runs | 0 |
| Wickets | 24 |
| IPL Team | Gujarat Titans |
Mohammaed Shami had a dream World Cup last year. The pacer was the highest wicket taker in the tournament with a seven wicket haul against New Zealand being the highlight. Shami has been spending his time on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury after the World Cup. He has not appeared in Indian colours in the T20 format since 2022. If Shami can replicate some of his performance from the World Cup in the IPL, the door can swiftly open for him.
| Name | Mohammed Siraj |
| Age | 29 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm fast |
| T20I Matches | 8 |
| Runs | 5 |
| Wickets | 12 |
| IPL Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
Mohammed Siraj has multiple incredible performances to show in 2023. The 29 year old demolished Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final with a six wicket haul. He repeated his feat against South Africa in Test cricket to bring his country a memorable victory in Africa. Siraj has been rested for the Afghanistan series after playing non-stop cricket over the past six months. The pace, bounce and swing of Siraj make him one of the best bowlers across all three formats in the world.
| Name | Jasprit Bumrah |
| Age | 30 |
| Batting Style | Right hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm fast |
| T20I Matches | 62 |
| Runs | 8 |
| Wickets | 74 |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
Jasprit Bumrah is another player who is irreplaceable in any format. His economy is 6.55 and his average is under 20—yet these phenomenal stats only tell half of the story. Bumrah’s immaculate control, incredible swing and toe-crushing yorkers make him a formidable opponent on any surface.
Conclusion
Team India has all the ingredients to make a team that can go all the way in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The most important matter will be to find the right balance to strike a perfect team combination. If the selected players can handle the pressure and perform accordingly, Indian fans can hope to have a wonderful world cup journey in the Americas.
