Irfan Pathan Blend of Youth and Experience: Shaping India T20 World Cup Squad
As the cricketing world gears up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has weighed in on the squad selection, blending youth with experience in his picks. Pathan, a pivotal member of India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, shared his insights with ESPNcricinfo, shedding light on the key players who he believes should don the Indian jersey for the prestigious tournament.
At the helm of the squad is the dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with Sharma leading the side. Kohli’s evolution in the T20 format, marked by his aggressive strokeplay and adaptability, earns him a crucial role in Pathan’s vision for the team. Dispelling doubts about Kohli’s strike rate, Pathan emphasizes the skipper’s indispensability in high-stakes competitions.
One of the major dilemmas in squad selection revolves around the wicketkeeper position. With Rishabh Pant recuperating from a life-threatening accident, Jitesh Sharma emerges as a contender, albeit lacking substantial international experience. However, Pathan underscores the versatility of KL Rahul, who offers flexibility in batting order and could potentially fill the role behind the stumps.
In bowling department, Pathan advocates for the inclusion of “a gun left-arm fast bowler,” an essential component for any World Cup-winning team. He throws his support behind Mohsin Khan, representing Uttar Pradesh and Lucknow Super Giants, despite Khan’s absence from the international stage. Pathan’s backing stems from Khan’s promising talent and potential to deliver on the global stage.
As Pathan crafts India’s T20 World Cup squad, his selections reflect a blend of established stalwarts and emerging talents, aiming to strike the perfect balance between experience and youthful exuberance. With the tournament on the horizon, all eyes are on the Indian team as they embark on their quest for ICC glory under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and the guidance of selectors like Irfan Pathan.
