As the May 1 deadline for squad submission for the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, former Indian batter Virender Sehwag has unveiled his strongest XI for the marquee event. Sehwag’s team features a blend of experience and youth, with a focus on current form and versatility.
Sehwag’s XI is led by captain Rohit Sharma, who will open the batting alongside rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal. The middle order boasts the formidable trio of Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant, who returns to the team after recovering from injuries.
For the all-rounder role, Sehwag has opted for either Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh, both of whom have impressed in the ongoing IPL season. The spin department is anchored by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while the pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Sandeep Sharma.
Sehwag’s decision to exclude Hardik Pandya from his XI has raised eyebrows, given the all-rounder’s status as a key player for India. However, Sehwag believes that Pandya’s recent poor form warrants his omission from the starting lineup.
“Hardik is a great player, but he’s not in the best of form right now,” Sehwag said. “I think he should be in the 15-man squad, but he may not be in the starting XI.”
Sehwag’s XI reflects his belief in the importance of adaptability and versatility in T20 cricket. The team features several players who can bat and bowl, providing the captain with multiple options to adjust to different match situations.
With the World Cup just months away, Sehwag’s XI serves as a valuable blueprint for the Indian selectors as they finalize their squad. The team’s balance, experience, and current form make it a formidable contender for the coveted trophy.
