The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on September 8, 2021, announced the 15-member Indian cricket team squad for the T20 World Cup. While Virat Kohli will lead the squad, Rohit Sharma was appointed his deputy. In a welcome move, the BCCI announced former India captain, MS Dhoni, as the team’s mentor. He had also won India the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa.
As India is all ready to take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match on October 24, here’s a quick look at the squad.
India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match on October 24.
Virat Kohli (captain):
Virat Kohli, the 32-year-old captain is considered one of the best batsmen that game has seen in the current generation. His on-field aggression coupled with his undying zeal to win an encounter makes him a worthy opponent. The Delhi-based batsman has so far scored 3,154 runs from 90 T20s, averaging a staggering 52.65. Kohli has 28 fifties under his belt and has the highest score of 94.
Rohit Sharma (vice-captain):
An explosive T20 batsman, Rohit Sharma has dominated the shortest format in white-ball cricket with style. He has played a massive 111 T20Is, scoring 2,864 runs, with 118 as his highest score and four centuries and 22 fifties under his belt.
KL Rahul
The 29-year-old stylish batsman from Karnataka, KL Rahul has scored 1,557 runs with an unbeaten 110 as his highest score.
He has so far played 49 T20Is and has two centuries and 12 fifties to his name.
Suryakumar Yadav
The 30-year-old Mumbai batsman has a terrific domestic T20 record. Having made his T20I debut earlier this year against England, Suryakumar Yadav has amassed 138 runs from 4 T20Is. In 3 ODIs, he has scored 124 runs.
Rishabh Pant
The fiery left-handed batsman is known for taking the opposition attack to the cleaners. The 23-year-old Rishabh Pant has played 33 T20Is, scoring 512 runs with an unbeaten 65 as his highest score.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, the left-handed batsman from Jharkhand made his T20I debut in the series against England earlier this year. Since then he has played three games, scoring 80 runs. His highest score is 56.
Hardik Pandya
An eclectic all-rounder, Hardik Pandya is known for his batting prowess. The Baroda-based batsman has played 40 T20Is, scoring 484 runs with an unbeaten 42 as his highest score. He also has 42 T20 wickets.
Ravindra Jadeja
A spinning all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja has been India’s go-to player. If his captain needs him, he delivers it. The 32-year-old batsman has played 50 T20Is, amassing 218 runs, while taking 39 wickets. He also plays the role of a finisher in high-octane games.
Mohammed Shami
India’s leading fast bowler who has played in all formats, Mohammed Shami has played just 12 T20I matches. In that, he has taken 12 wickets with the best figures of 3/38 and averaging 35.66.
Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar, the 22-year-old leg-spinner from Rajasthan made his T20I debut against the West Indies in 2019. So far, in his five T20Is, he has picked up seven wickets, his best being 3/15.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Making a white-ball comeback after four years, the 34-year-old has 52 wickets from 46 matches. Ravichandran Ashwin‘s best bowling figure is 4/8.
Axar Patel
The slow-left arm orthodox bowler has nine wickets from 12 T20Is that he has played so far. 27-year-old Axar Patel also plays some handy role with his bat in the lower order.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
A brilliant bowler, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a seasoned campaigner, having played 51 T20Is, taking 50 wickets with 5/24 being his best.
Jasprit Bumrah
Death overs specialist Jasprit Bumrah is known for his yorkers. The 27-year-old pacer has 59 wickets from 50 T20I games and has played a key role in many of India’s wins.
Varun Chakravarthy
A mystery off-spinner, Varun Chakravarthy made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year. The 30-year-old Tamil Nadu bowler has taken two wickets from 3 matches.
