India’s 15-man squad for the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States on Tuesday unveiled by the BCCI, with Rishabh Pant making a triumphant return after a harrowing near-fatal accident in December 2022.
Pant’s resilience and stellar performance in this year’s IPL secured his spot, alongside Chennai Super Kings’ Shivam Dube, who impressed with his bat in the tournament.
While Pant will take the gloves, Sanju Samson has been chosen as his understudy. Notably absent from the squad is KL Rahul, with the selectors opting for Samson’s inclusion. Rohit Sharma will lead the squad, aiming for a repeat of India’s 2007 victory.
Hardik Pandya, despite his struggles post-injury, will serve as Rohit’s deputy, with a strong lineup featuring the likes of Virat Kohli and emerging talent Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The bowling department boasts of a formidable pace trio in Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah, supported by a spin quartet comprising Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Axar Patel.
India’s journey begins on June 5 against Ireland in New York, followed by a highly-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
SQUAD
Rohit Sharma (captain), 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.