What Team India Eleven May Look Like In T20 World Cup? South African Series Could Be The Decider

The excitement is at its peak. Fans from different parts of Kerala assembled at Greenfield Stadium in Trivandrum to watch Rohit Sharma and Co. take on the Proteas. India is playing their last bilateral series before the T20 World Cup. Based on this series, the team combination and playing eleven for the big event could be decided. That makes this series crucial.

Coming here a year later to play and win for #TeamIndia… couldn't get any better 🇮🇳 #AlwaysBelieve #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/SjfpuKYYSk

— DK (@DineshKarthik) July 8, 2022

India last won an ICC event way back in 2007, under MS Dhoni. The Men in Blue reached the semifinals several times in ICC events post 2007, but a cup missed their trophy cabinet. Of late, several fans complain the team isn’t winning the World Cups. Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli once decoded the reason India does not win the trophy. According to him, it is the pressure of playing in big situations that takes the individuals down. 

India and their World Cup dreams

India is sending a senior team for the 2022 T20 World Cup. Most of the players are experienced and are 30 plus. At least 9 of the 11 slots are already decided. The choice of wicket-keeper and third pacer are the only ones that are not yet completed.

A statistical comparison between Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik and Sanju samson in T20Is this year.#INDvSA #SAvIND #SanjuSamson #RishabhPant #DineshKarthik #Trivandrum #Thiruvananthapuram pic.twitter.com/6FjnUWpaLF

— Vtrakit Cricket (@Vtrakit) September 28, 2022

The competition is between young Rishabh Pant and experienced Dinesh Karthik for the shoes once filled by MS Dhoni. There is only little to separate between the two in 2022 in terms of records. But the options the duo delivers are different. 

Rohit Sharma said "There was a though process of sending Pant but we wanted DK to do this role as he is going to be the finisher".

The celebration says it all. pic.twitter.com/2WOMno8W5P

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 23, 2022

Pant brings in his left-handed addition to the Indian middle order. Dinesh Karthik, meanwhile, offers the finisher role. However, both Karthik and Pant have not made big contributions in recent games. One reason could be the limited opportunities they received. The south African series could be a crucial one for the duo.

Arshdeep Singh versus Harshal Patel

Arshdeep offers variety in the pace attack with his left arm seam-ups. He’s also a potential candidate in the death overs. Harshal Patel, on the other hand, offers more variations and is a potent wicket-taker in the middle overs. However, he struggled in the last series against Australia, conceding plenty of runs.

India really miss Jasprit Bumrah service in last few matches. Waiting for Boom Boom Bumrah's comeback. And can't wait to see Jasprit Bumrah & Arshdeep Singh's combo in death overs for India. pic.twitter.com/j8OHRTXQKy

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) September 20, 2022

Coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma may use the South African series as an audition test to decide whom to pick for the World Cup final eleven. They will look to fill the gaps in the next three games and buck up for the showpiece event.