Indian cricket team last won an ICC event way back in 2007 under MS Dhoni. Since then, they have never bagged an ICC trophy. They failed in the last four stages on many occasions. However, India will try to take a step further this year, under skipper Rohit Sharma. India of late had a brilliant record in the bilateral T20I series. The latest feat was defeating Australia in the home series. They also downed South Africa in the first T20I on Thursday.
That Winning Feeling! 👏 👏 #TeamIndia begin the T20I series with a superb win in Thiruvananthapuram. 🙌 🙌
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/L93S9k4QqD #INDvSA | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/r8OmRhdVk4
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 28, 2022
India had a forgettable outing during their last two major events. They lost the opening of two games to knock themselves out in the 2021 T20 World Cup. India lost to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage of the 2022 Asia Cup and thus was knocked out before reaching the final. Interestingly, India came as favourite in bot events. The team would know that translating the series wins into tournaments requires more effort and patience.
Huddle Talk ✅
Time to hit the ground running 👍 👍
Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/ZYG17eC71l #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/SPt8lvKvBP
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 20, 2022
This also points to the view the team falters during big matchups. It is one dubious record they would like to erase. Having won five IPLs as captain, skipper Rohit Sharma is an able leader. The 35-year-old is slowly reaching the fag end of his international career. He is one of the two members who were part of the memorable 2007 triumph in South Africa. Rohit will look to guide his team and ensure a repeat this year.
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What are India’s chances of winning?
India has a bright chance to qualify in the semifinals, as per the current form. They have won or drawn all the bilateral T20I series they played this year and are the only team to do so. They are placed in a relatively ‘safer group’ that includes South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Two teams from the qualifiers will also add to Group 2. The top two teams from each group would qualify for the semifinals.
India 2022 T20 world cup team pic.twitter.com/qzTaPPaIlY
— CRICKETBITTS (@cricketbitts) September 22, 2022
Unlike the other teams, India is sending a senior team, with most players having an average age above 30. This brings to question their agility in the field, as seen in recent matches where the team dropped a lot of catches. However, another point to note is that with age comes the experience factor, and it could be crucial in Aussie conditions.
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India and team combination for World Cup
India has got the combination set, with three pacers, one spinner, one spin all-rounder, and one pace-all-rounder in the team. This leaves with six bowling options. Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel/Arshdeep Singh are likely to operate the death overs. Axar Patel is a certainty, while team management may have to take a call between R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.
On This Day in 2007 – India becomes first ever team to have won T20 World Cup. India beat Pakistan in Final and won first ever T20 World Cup under MS Dhoni, he leads India & won title his first tournament.
One of the greatest wins and moments in Indian cricket history.!! pic.twitter.com/goKsiCWr96
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) September 23, 2022
Dinesh Karthik may get the early preference ahead of Rishabh Pant, but team management may also consider Pant’s case since his Aussie record is excellent. KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya will take the top five batting slots. There’s also a likely toss-up between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh for the pacer slot. Bhuvneshwar may get the early nod for his experience, but Arshdeep can bring variety and his death-bowling skills are special.
Final prediction
India can progress up to the semifinal stage and the rest of their fate would be decided by how they deal with pressure.
