The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has emerged as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Based solely on their performances in the IPL, NDTV has compiled a 15-member squad that represents the best of Indian talent.
Openers:
* Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Chennai Super Kings skipper has been in scintillating form, amassing 349 runs in 8 matches with a strike rate of 142.44. His century and consistent performances make him an automatic choice.
* Abhishek Sharma: The left-handed batter from Sunrisers Hyderabad has set the IPL alight with his explosive batting. With 288 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 218, he is a perfect fit alongside Gaikwad.
* Rohit Sharma: The Indian skipper has shown glimpses of his class, scoring 311 runs in 9 matches. His aggressive approach and experience make him a valuable asset.
Batters:
* Virat Kohli: Despite the ongoing debate over his strike rate, Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024. His experience and ability to anchor the innings are crucial.
* Riyan Parag: The Rajasthan Royals batter has impressed with his explosive middle-order batting. With 250 runs in 9 matches, he provides a dynamic option.
* Shivam Dube: The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has been a consistent performer, scoring 220 runs and picking up 7 wickets. His versatility makes him a valuable addition.
Wicket-keepers:
* KL Rahul: The Lucknow Super Giants skipper has scored 378 runs in 9 matches. His flexibility as an opener, wicket-keeper batter, or middle-order batter makes him a versatile asset.
* Sanju Samson: The Rajasthan Royals skipper has been in sublime form, scoring 385 runs with four half-centuries in 9 matches. His wicket-keeping skills and aggressive batting make him a top choice.
All-rounders:
* Ravindra Jadeja: The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has been a key performer, batting at No. 4 and providing crucial breakthroughs with the ball.
* Axar Patel: The Delhi Capitals all-rounder has been effective with both bat and ball, scoring 134 runs and picking up 7 wickets.
Bowlers:
* Kuldeep Yadav: The Delhi Capitals spinner has been in excellent form, picking up 13 wickets in 9 matches.
* Yuzvendra Chahal: The Rajasthan Royals spinner has also been impressive, taking 12 wickets in 9 matches. The ‘Kul-Cha’ partnership is a formidable spin duo.
* Jasprit Bumrah: The Mumbai Indians pacer is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 14 scalps. His pace and accuracy make him a vital cog in the bowling attack.
* Sandeep Sharma: The Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer has been a revelation, taking 8 wickets with an impressive economy rate.
* T Natarajan: The Sunrisers Hyderabad left-arm pacer has impressed with his performances, taking 12 wickets in 6 matches with an economy rate of 8.70.
This squad represents a blend of experience, talent, and versatility. If these players can maintain their form and replicate their IPL performances in the T20 World Cup, India will be a formidable force in the tournament.
