How would the Indian T20 squad for 2024 look like?

Team India, the inaugural champions of the 2007 T20 World Cup, haven’t performed as per expectations in T20 cricket ever since winning the trophy. The team ended as runners-up during the 2014 T20 World Cup while losing out in the semi-finals twice, once during the 2016 edition and once in the most recently concluded one.

It is fair to say that the team hasn’t done well in this format. And as per the talks, there are many changes expected in the squad. A lot of the non-performing guys will be given an exit, and a lot of new faces will be seen in the blue-coloured jersey.

Here’s a quick look at how the team would be for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Top Order:

Prithvi Shaw, Ishan Kishan, Shubhman Gill

The current top order featuring the likes of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma has been dismal. They have failed to provide starts, and their strike rate has been a disaster for the team. The top order needs a makeover. The team needs batters who can accelerate at will and display an aggressive style of batting.

Prithvi Shaw is the opener team India needs. He has the ability to score runs at will and has been doing the job for the Delhi Capitals and his domestic team. Partnering Shaw can be Ishan Kishan. The Mumbai Indians player has been in terrific form lately. The wicketkeeper-batter delivered one of his finest T20 knocks during the team’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022 fixture against Odisha by slamming an unbeaten 102 runs off just 64 deliveries.

The third option in the opening department can be Shubhman Gill. The right-hander was the highest runs scorer for Gujarat Titans in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. Also, he had an excellent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The opener scored 260 runs in 6 matches.

 

Middle Order:

Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer

Though Virat Kohli is scoring tons of runs, no one is sure that he will continue till the next T20 World Cup. If he continues, nothing like it. But if he doesn’t, then the responsibility falls on the able shoulders of Suryakumar Yadav.

The batter has showed his range of shots and consistency in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. So he becomes an automatic selection for the team.

Deepak Hooda has been knocking on the team’s door for quite a while. And it’s high time everyone should take notice of this talent. The Rajasthan player has amassed 293 runs in 13 games.

 

Wicketkeepers:

Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant

Currently, the team is persisting with Rishabh Pant in all formats of the game. And he is also performing as expected. So, I think there won’t be much tinkering in the wicket-keeping department.

But, there has been a resurgence of sorts for Sanju Samson. The Kerala-based batsman has been the most improved batter in recent times. After having a terrific IPL, the batter impressed everyone with his batting skills in the ODI series against South Africa.

 

All-rounders:

Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar

Well, if we believe the noise, there is going to be a new skipper to lead the T20 team. And the new captain of the Indian T20 team is none other than Hardik Pandya. Pandya will be the perfect choice as the next skipper of the Indian team. He has tasted success with his stint with the Gujarat Titans in IPL.

Ravindra Jadeja is the best all-rounder in the Indian team. The man can bat, bowl and save runs in the field. Also, his records in T20 are worth mentioning. In 64 matches, he has scored 457 runs at a strike rate of 124.52 and took 51 wickets at an economy of 7.04.

Washington Sundar is the third player that makes this lot. The off-spinner has been decently in whatever opportunities he has got.

Spinners:

Ravi Bishnoi, Yuvvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav

Yuzvendra Chahal should be the automatic selection for this Indian team. I couldn’t understand why he was left out of playing XI in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He is a wicket-taking bowler and should have played at all costs. The leg-spinner has taken 85 wickets in 69 matches with an average of 24.64.

The duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, fondly called “KulCha”, was one of the deadliest spin combinations in the team. But as time progressed, Kuldeep Yadav lost his golden form and eventually lost his place. However, the left-arm chinaman bowler has made a return to the national squad.

Ravi Bishnoi takes the place of the backup spinner in the T20 squad. The right-arm leg spinner has played 70 T20 matches and taken 85 wickets at an economy of 7.07.

Pace Bowlers:

Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

The likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh get automatically picked for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Although Bhuvaneshwar Kumar has performed fairly well, picking Deepak Chahar instead of him will add balance to the squad. Deepak Chahar is a great bowling option in the powerplays and can contribute well with the bat.

The next edition of the T20 World Cup will be held in West Indies and the USA. And a tall, lanky pacer in the Caribbean islands will be a great option. Hence, I have included Prasidh Krishna in the squad.

India’s likely playing XI at the 2024 T20 World Cup

Prithvi Shaw
Ishan Kishan
Virat Kohli
Suryakumar Yadav
Rishabh Pant (WK)
Hardik Pandya (C)
Ravindra Jadeja
Deepak Chahar
Yuzvendra Chahal
Jasprit Bumrah
Arshdeep Singh

So, that’s it. That’s the likely playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup from my end. Do let me know your thoughts on the current selection and which players should be dropped from the squad.

7 most innovative cricket shots

Cricket is one of the oldest sports in the world. It is said that cricket has been played since the late 16th century. The first international match was played in the 19th century, and the first Test match was held in the year 1877. Cricket has been passed on by many generations, and the game has evolved in every stage of it. 

From Test cricket to 60-over ODIs to 50-overs to the new T20 format, cricket has undergone a massive change throughout its existence. A new rule is invented with each passing decade, and as we all know, technology plays a big part in the modern era of cricket. 

Just like the formats and rules, the style of playing cricket has also changed significantly. Professional players are not sticking to the traditional way of playing cricket now. There is a change in their batting, bowling, and also their fielding. 

From MS Dhoni’s helicopter shot to Lasith Malinga’s unique bowling action, cricketers are redefining the meaning of this legendary game. Innovation is the key to progress in any field of work. 

Bowlers always had many variations under their belt, but batters had to stick to their classic cricketing roots. However, as the years progressed, even the batters started adapting to the unconventional style of cricketing shots. 

Batters like AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, and Suryakumar Yadav are the perfect examples of how inventing new shots can make a player immune to any type of bowling. Let’s have a look at the 7 most innovative cricket shots to date. 

7 most innovative cricket shots to date 

1) MS Dhoni’s Helicopter shot 

The legendary skipper who handed India two World Cups also gifted the cricketing universe an antidote for yorkers. As we all know, yorkers are one of the toughest balls to face. A batter has to go all defensive while facing a yorker. However, the legendary MS Dhoni fears no bowler. 

MS Dhoni introduced the helicopter shot to the world. The helicopter shot is when the batter flicks the ball while playing a yorker or a full-length delivery, with the bat being circled overhead. The batter has to use his bottom hand to generate all the power for the shot. If a batter masters the shot, he/she can use it to convert difficult yorkers into boundaries. 

It is said that MS Dhoni learned this iconic shot from his childhood friend Santosh Lal. However, legendary cricketers like Mohammad Azharuddin, Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, Chamara Silva, Aravinda Silva, and Abdul Razzaq have also played similar strokes to the helicopter shot in the past. Players like Hardik Pandya and Mohammad Shahzad can be seen playing the Helicopter shot every now and then.

PS: Execution is the key. 

  1. Dilshan’s Dil-scoop 

The Dil-scoop is named after the famous Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan. The Sri Lankan ace was known to play this unorthodox shot during his glorious cricketing career. The Dil-scoop shot is played by going on one knee to a good length delivery and flick or, as the name suggests, “scoop” the ball over the head past the wicketkeeper. 

This shot is mostly played against a fast or a medium-fast bowler. Dilshan mastered this shot and majorly used it in the T20 format during the power-play overs. 9 out of 10 times, the ball clears the boundary rope as there is no fielder played behind the keeper. The rest of the time, well, it lands in the hands of the wicketkeeper. 

  1. The reverse sweep 

No batter has claimed the reverse sweep shot, but many have learned it to perfection. You might have often seen the likes of Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, or Kevin Pietersen going for a reverse sweep shot. However, former England skipper Eoin Morgan was known to play the best reverse sweep shots in the business. A reverse sweep shot is an efficient way to manipulate the field setting. As the name suggests, a reverse sweep shot is played in the opposite direction of a normal sweep shot. 

A batter executes the shot by sweeping the ball in a horizontal arc from leg to off. A batter usually plays this shot while kneeling. The shot is majorly played to clear the boundaries and put the bowler under pressure to re-think his field adjustments. The reverse sweep is generally played against a spinner. 

  1. The Upper Cut 

The first two names which pop to our mind when we hear “the Upper Cut” shot is none other than the two Indian greats, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. Both of the giants of Indian cricket absolutely aced this shot. Sehwag used to play the Upper Cut shot at every given opportunity. The Upper Cut shot is a work of art. 

In the Upper Cut shot, the ball is directed towards the third-man boundary. The Upper Cut is played against a short ball that is pitched outside the off stump. Batters tend to try this shot when the third-man fielder is fielding inside the ring. This shot does not require any power, just timing and placement. 

  1. The AB de Villiers Sweep 

AB de Villiers is one of the main protagonists of the unorthodox style of playing. Even now players are termed as the “next ABD” when we see a glimpse of creativity in them. The latest example is the Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav, who is called the new “Mr.360” for his massive range of shots.

ABD’s sweep is one of the most difficult shots to master or even attempt to play. ABD used to move across the offside, showing all three stumps to the bowlers. The South African used to deceive the bowlers into bowling a good-length delivery which Mr. 360 used to convert into boundaries by sweeping it over the fine or the square leg. 

  1. Kevin Pietersen’s Switch Hit 

What is a switch hit? Something which Glenn Maxwell tries to play every second ball. Yes, and it is not a joke, Australia’s “Big Show” is obsessed with the switch hit. Kevin Pietersen was the first player to play this shot in international cricket. The Switch hit is the process of changing the stance from a righty to a lefty or vice-versa before the bowler delivers the ball. This shot is commonly played to get the better of the fielding placements. 

 

It is a very risky shot as it can make you look like an utter fool if you miss it. Australia’s David Warner got clean bowled while trying to play the switch hit against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2022. However, one of David Warner’s switch-hits has also touched the top self of the MCG. India’s Ravichandran Ashwin was Warner’s victim in 2012. 

  1. The Marillier Hit 

One of the most iconic shots in the history books of cricket is The Marillier Hit. Named after the Zimbabwean cricketer Doug Marillier, the Marillier Hit has been played for decades.

The Marillier Hit is also known as the ramp shot, and Doug Marillier is known to be the first player to try this shot. The Marillier Hit is a type of scoop shot in which the batter snaps the ball over the keeper and the fine leg.

So that’s it. Here are the 7 most innovative cricket shots. Do let us know in the comments section which one is your favourite cricket shot.

7 cricket bats every aspiring cricketer wants to use

Cricket is more than just a game, especially for the Indians. Since the historic win of the 1983 World Cup, Indians have treated cricket as a religion. Then came the great Sachin Tendulkar, who became the “god” of this religion. The World Cup triumphs of 2007 and 2011 have inspired a whole new generation to take up cricket as their career. Every 1 out of 3 kids in India wants to be a cricketer. 

Cricketers have a huge impact on their fans. Every aspiring cricketer wants to know which equipment their idol uses in the hope of becoming a player like them. From Virat Kohli to Smriti Mandhana, every budding cricketer wants to have the exact same cricketing gear as the modern-day superstars. 

This is not a new trend, as the kids from the 90s desperately wanted Sachin Tendulkar’s MRF bat or Rahul Dravid’s Britannia one. Little did we know that these are just stickers of the brands our favourite cricketers endorsed via their bats, not the actual bat makers. 

Be it a professional cricketer, an aspiring batsman, or a gully cricket player, the quality of the bat matters the most when it comes to batting. If you are dreaming of becoming a professional cricketer, you need to make the right decision while picking your bat. It will be safe to say that every batter threats his/her bat like a holy book. It is their weapon, and it must be perfect when they enter the war zone. Let’s have a look at the 7 cricket bats every aspiring cricketer wants to use. 

Gunn and Moore Noir 909 Cricket Bat 

Gunn and Moore (GM) are one of the best bat makers in the world. Gunn and Moore, famously known as GM, have been in the business since the inception of cricket. Gunn & Moore was founded and established by England Test batsman William Gunn with the help of a local businessman, Thomas James Moore in 1885. Players like Ben Stokes, Shane Watson, and Michael Vaughan have all played with GM bats. 

Gunn and Moore Noir 909 Price in India: INR 13,043 

Gunn and Moore Noir 909 Cricket Bat Specifications: 

  1. Blade Specs: Material – English willow /wood | Grade: One. 
  2. Ideal for Leather Cricket ball | Handcrafted by Master Craftsman in India. 3. Designed for powerful and dominating strokes. 
  3. Suitable for: Boys / Youth / Adults | Playing Levels: Advanced, Professional, Tournament players. 
  4. Available In: Size- Men’s | Size: Harrow | Size-6 | Size-5 | SIZE-4 | Size-3.

 

MRF Virat Kohli Chase Master English Willow Cricket Bat

Virat Kohli is a brand himself; of course, every kid in the block dreams of becoming like him. Virat Kohli uses one of the world’s best bats, specifically designed to keep every requirement of his in mind. The Chase Master comes in MRF’s top-drawer collections. The Chase Master carries most of its power in the sweet spot, so if the connection is right, the bowl will be flying out of the park. 

MRF Virat Kohli Chase Master Price in India: INR 55,099 

MRF Virat Kohli Chase Master Specifications: 

  1. 8-12 Straight Grains with a rounded handle made of Sarawak Combination Cane. 2. Handle designed for Shock Absorption and Driving Power. 
  2. MRF Plain Bat Handle Grip for Control and Comfort. 
  3. Edge Thickness 38-40 mm. 
  4. Bat Weight 1160 to 1230 Grams. 

 

New Balance TC 1260 Limited Edition 19/20 Cricket Bat 

The New Balance TC 1260 Limited Edition 19/20 bat is a perfect blend of style, features, and looks. A budding cricketer dreams of having a New Balance TC 1260 Limited Edition in their collection. The bat is a symbol of prestige and elegance in the world of cricket. 

New Balance TC 1260 Limited Edition 19/20 Price in India: INR 58,999

New Balance TC 1260 Limited Edition 19/20 Cricket Bat Specifications 

  1. Quality: Easy pickup and big middle part for maximum effect during big shots 2. Willow Grade: Grade 1+ 
  2. Product Size: Size SH 
  3. Material: English Willow 
  4. Bat Covers: Includes Premium/Portable bat cover 

 

MRF Virat Kohli Limited Edition English Willow Cricket Bat 

MRF Virat Kohli Limited Edition is made for the lovers of Virat Kohli’s cover drive. This bat comes under MRF’s Genius range. As the name suggests, the Limited Edition is purely inspired by Virat Kohli and is perfect for the upcoming superstars of the cricketing world. 

MRF Virat Kohli Limited Edition Price in India: INR 22,599 

MRF Virat Kohli Limited Edition Specifications 

  1. Made from Selected Grade B English Willow. 
  2. 7-10 Straight Grains. 
  3. Rounded Handle made of Sarawak Combination Cane. 
  4. Handle designed for Shock Absorption and Driving Power. 
  5. MRF Plain Bat Handle Grip for Control and Comfort. 
  6. Edge Thickness 37-40 mm.
  7. Bat Weight 1160 to 1230 Grams 

 

SS Gladiator Player Grade Cricket Bat 

From cricketing masterminds like Kumar Sangakkara to hard-hitter like Kieron Pollard. the SS Gladiator Player Grade Cricket Bat has been a choice of many professional cricketers over the years. Perfect for the eyes, perfect to bat in any conditions. 

SS Gladiator Player Grade Cricket Bat Price in India: INR 44999 

SS Gladiator Player Grade Cricket Bat Specifications 

  1. Grains: 7-12 Straight Grains. 
  2. SS Hand Selected Super Grade I English Willow. 
  3. Edges Thickness is 38 to 41 mm mm|Highly Concave edges. 
  4. Special Scale Grip for the Bat Handle- for control and comfort. 
  5. Weight:1150-1260 gm, Top Class SS Premium Grade A English Willow bat 

 

BAS Retro Vintage MS Dhoni Edition English Willow 

MS Dhoni Edition, do we need to say more about this bat? It’s simple, effective, and strong, just like our very own legendary skipper. The BAS Retro Vintage is one of the finest bats on the market. The bat is known to come in handy when it requires some hard-hitting. 

BAS Retro Vintage MS Dhoni Edition English Willow Price: INR 40,000

BAS Retro Vintage MS Dhoni Edition English Willow Specifications 

  1. Manufactured from the best quality English Willow. 
  2. The handle is created from premium Sarawak cane, which helps in better control and provides extra power. 
  3. The bat’s edges are around 36 – 40mm with a 60mm+ spine. 
  4. Rounded Toe with Rounded Edges 
  5. Excellent performance and ping. 

 

SG Sunny Tonny English Willow Cricket Bat Short Handle 

The legendary bat is named after the legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. The SG Sunny Tonny Bat also has the qualities to feature in the list. SG is one of the best sporting brands in India, and it is used and trusted by many. The SG Sunny Tonny Bat has been tried and tested for generations; you can simply rely on it. 

SG Sunny Tonny English Willow Cricket Bat Short Handle Price in India: INR 8,499

SG Sunny Tonny English Willow Cricket Bat Short Handle Specifications 

  1. Grade: Grade 4
  2. No. of Grains: 4-6 
  3. Suitable For: Leather Ball
  4. Weight: 1160-1200gm 
  5. Sweet Spot: Medium 
  6. Spine Profile: Medium 
  7. Playing Style: All-Round
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