- India faces South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final. India, the favorites, aim to win their second T20 title since their 2007 victory.
- This is South Africa’s first time in a men’s ICC World Cup final. Both teams have won all their matches so far. Don’t miss the excitement—catch the India vs. South Africa Livestream!
- See More: ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule, Fixtures and Venues
India, with their experienced team, aims to forget last year’s disappointment and win the T20 World Cup.
Cheteshwar Pujara believes India’s heartbreak from losing the 50-over World Cup final at home and having a balanced team could help them win the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies.
The 36-year-old Cheteshwar Pujara, who has played 103 Tests and five ODIs for India, has high hopes for the team as they start their campaign against Ireland on June 5.
Advertisement “We have a balanced team, but it won’t be easy because the pitches in the US and West Indies are different”
Pujara told Al Jazeera in London.
“The grounds and sizes are different from those in India, but I hope the team is ready for the challenge,” said Pujara.
He believes India has much experience, especially with captain Rohit Sharma, who has played in all eight T20 World Cups. “India has the right mix of experienced players and young talent for T20 cricket.”
Last year, India won 10 straight matches to reach the 50-over World Cup final but then suffered a surprising loss to Australia.
India aims to reach another final, but first, they face a big match against Pakistan on June 9. Fans on the North American East Coast will see India play against the USA and Canada, too.
Pujara picks Suryakumar and Jaiswal to shine
Pujara, who played in the IPL until 2021, believes middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav and rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal will be key players for India. The 22-year-old Jaiswal, who will open the batting with captain Rohit, has become an important player for India.
“Suryakumar is key because he bats in the middle order”
Pujara said
He warned India not to be complacent when the tournament moves to the Caribbean after the group stage. “In the US and West Indies, you have to play your best because the pitches change during the tournament,” Pujara explained.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead India’s fast bowling, while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will handle the spin attack. Pujara emphasized Jadeja’s importance as an all-rounder: “Players like Ravindra Jadeja are crucial because he can take wickets with his spin bowling and contribute with the bat.”
Three players to watch
- Virat Kohli, India’s top scorer in the recent IPL, was the player of the tournament at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. At 35, the T20 World Cup might be his last chance to win another trophy in his impressive career, and Kohli is determined not to miss this opportunity.
- Suryakumar Yadav, known as “Sky,” led India to victory against Australia in a T20 series last year. He has scored four centuries in T20 internationals and has a strike rate of 171, showing his attacking prowess.
- Jasprit Bumrah, one of the world’s best bowlers, has an impressive T20 international record. He has an average of 19 with the ball and an economy rate of 6.55. Bumrah, who debuted in 2016, is India’s leading bowler in seam attacks.
Source: ALJAZEERA