Manjrekar Emphasizes Balanced XI for India’s Victory in T20 WC

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that India should focus on finding the right balance in their playing XI based on conditions to secure victory.

During the group stage in the United States, India opted for three frontline pacers and two spinners. However, in the Super 8 stage against Afghanistan, Mohammed Siraj was replaced by Kuldeep Yadav to add an additional spinner. Hardik Pandya served as the third pacer, with Shivam Dube providing another seaming option.

Manjrekar evaluated India’s diverse playing options and emphasized the importance of selecting the best combination for specific conditions. “It’s always beneficial to have many options, and that is key for any team management when there are exciting choices available. However, they must focus on selecting the best XI to win under certain conditions,” Manjrekar stated on ‘Caught & Bold’ on Disney+ Hotstar.

India has had a flawless run in the ongoing T20 World Cup. In Group A, they defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and co-hosts USA to qualify for the Super 8. Their final group stage game against Canada was washed out in Florida, leaving Rohit Sharma’s team at the top of the group with seven points.

India won their first Super 8 game against Afghanistan by 47 runs, with Suryakumar Yadav scoring 53 runs off 28 balls at a strike rate of 189.29. India aims to maintain their unbeaten streak as they face Bangladesh on Saturday at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.

India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.