2024 T20 World Cup Preview: Teams to Watch
India: Aiming for Glory
The 2024 T20 World Cup might be the last for captain Rohit Sharma, who has played in all eight editions so far, and his predecessor Virat Kohli. Both will be crucial in stabilizing the team.
Suryakumar Yadav, now a seasoned and explosive middle-order batter, will look to dominate opponents. Young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal, a prolific 22-year-old opener, could make India's top order formidable if he continues his impressive form.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the seam attack, but it's the spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, who could be game-changers on the dry Caribbean pitches.
India, the top-ranked T20 team, will aim to secure their second T20 World Cup title since their first win in 2007.
England: Defending Champions
All eyes will be on Jofra Archer's return after years of injuries. Archer, who played a pivotal role in England's 2019 50-over World Cup win, missed the T20 World Cup triumph in 2022.
England's spinners, Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, along with Liam Livingstone and newcomer Tom Hartley, will be vital. The batting lineup features power hitters like Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow.
As the third-ranked T20 team, England will fiercely defend their title.
Australia: Looking to Reclaim the Title
Australia will aim to continue their winning streak after securing the 2023 50-over World Cup and the World Test Championship. Led by Mitchell Marsh, the squad includes all the 2023 World Cup winners, except Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
David Warner, playing his last tournament after retiring from Test and ODI cricket, will bring experience. Australia, ranked second in T20, will be strong contenders.
West Indies: Co-Hosts with High Hopes
The West Indies, co-hosting the tournament, aspire to become the first team to win three titles, having previously won in 2012 and 2016. Spinners Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, and Nicholas Pooran will be key, especially on home turf.
Andre Russell, the only player from their previous triumphs, will lead the charge. Despite being ranked sixth, the West Indies aim to reach the top.
Pakistan: Unpredictable and Dangerous
Led by Babar Azam and spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan, ranked seventh, is always a formidable opponent. Their only T20 World Cup win came in 2009.
Babar's partnership with Saim Ayub and the power hitting of Fakhar Zaman in the middle order will be crucial. The pace attack, featuring Mohammad Amir, Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, will be formidable.
Pakistan's spin department, with Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Abrar Ahmed, needs to perform well. Pakistan may not be favorites, but they should not be underestimated.
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