Rinku Singh snubbed, Riyan Parag picked as Mohammad Kaif names 15-man India squad for T20 WC 2024

Mohammad Kaif has included Rishabh Pant as his wicket-keeper in India’s squad for T20 WC 2024.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has picked his Indian squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Surprisingly, Kaif omitted star batter Rinku Singh and picked Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Riyan Parag in the 15-man squad for the mega event. The T20 World Cup 2024 will be played in the Caribbean Islands and the USA in the month of June.

The Indian cricket team played their last T20I series against Afghanistan earlier this year at home. However, in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is closely monitoring each player to finalize the squad for the upcoming marquee tournament. The announcement regarding the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 is likely to be made during the IPL 2024 season.

India will start their T20I World Cup 2024 campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5, followed by matches against Pakistan, United States, and Canada. The arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, will play on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Will take Riyan Parag: Mohammad Kaif picks over Rinku Singh

Since making his debut in the shortest format for India, Rinku Singh has smashed 356 runs in 11 innings at a stunning average of 89 and a mind-blowing strike rate of 176.24. Rinku has been performing consistently in the lower middle order for the side.

However, the cricketer-turned-commentator Kaif picked Shivam Dube and Riyan and excluded Rinku from his 15-member squad. Both Dube and Parag are having a dream run in the ongoing IPL 2024 edition for their respective franchises.

“I will go with Shivam Dube. He is in great form and plays spin splendidly. He drives the game very well after six overs. I will take Riyan Parag’s name. He is playing exceptionally well and deserves to be in the squad,” Kaif said on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues’.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma will open, with Virat Kohli at No. 3

The 43-year-old Kaif also excluded Shubman Gill from his 15-member squad and picked young left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma as openers. The former cricketer also included veteran batter Virat kohli in his 15-man line-up for upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

“Yashasvi Jaiswal will open alongside Rohit Sharma. Then Virat Kohli at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, Hardik Pandya at No. 5, and Rishabh Pant at No. 6. I will keep a lot of all-rounders because you need batting depth. So, I will say Axar at No. 7 and Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8. After that, Kuldeep Yadav, who is a skilful bowler, at No. 9. Then two fast bowlers — Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. That makes it your XI,” the former Delhi Capitals assistant coach said.

I feel you will have to keep Chahal: Kaif excludes Ravi Ashwin

Kaif also pointed out that Indian side must pick one more spinner. Kaif picked Chahal over Ashwin because the variety Yuzi Chahal bring in the squad. Kaif stressed that Ashwin played last time in T20 World Cup 2022 and currently he is not picking wickets this time in the ongoing IPL 2024.

“If I talk about the squad, you will take one more spinner. I feel you will have to keep Chahal. He brings the option of a leg-spinner. Ashwin went last time. He is not taking that many wickets this time (in the IPL). I believe Chahal is a very good bowler in those conditions where the ball will turn,” the ex-India cricketer reckoned.

Mohammad Kaif’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad for India:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (WK), Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Mohammed Siraj.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table,  on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.