In IPL 2024, fans are thoroughly enjoying the action with records tumbling every other day. While a total of 200 runs used to be considered a winning total in previous seasons, this season even scores of 250+ don’t guarantee victory. Amidst the downpour of boundaries, fans are having a great time. However, amidst all this, one thing is worrying Indian cricket fans. Not just a little, but a lot. This worry is regarding the team selection for the T20 World Cup 2024.
The selection of the team for the World Cup scheduled in June is still pending. Selectors are scratching their heads over whom to pick for the batting department, whom to leave out, especially for the West Indies-America tour. Even selecting great batsmen like Virat Kohli is proving to be a dotted for selectors. The reason being India has plenty of options available. The scenario is similar for wicketkeeping and spin bowling. With so many solid options available, even deserving players might end up disappointed. However, when it comes to the pace bowling attack, it’s giving both fans and selectors a headache.
The reason behind this is the form of other pacers except for Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj and Deepak Chahar, experienced bowlers, have been unsuccessful in leaving their mark. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami has been out of cricket since surgery. Apart from them, there are no pacers who instill a lot of confidence in fans. But now the team has to go to the World Cup, and some players will be selected… So let’s see who those pacers might be who could get a ticket to the World Cup.
Jasprit Bumrah:
One name that seems certain for the World Cup is Jasprit Bumrah’s. Bumrah has maintained his excellent form from the World Cup 2023 into IPL 2024. So far in the tournament, Bumrah has played 7 matches, taking 13 wickets at an average of 15.69 and an economy of 6.38. He’s also one of the top wicket-takers. Bumrah has even taken a 5-wicket haul this season. Whether it’s with new balls or death overs, Bumrah has consistently troubled batsmen. His yorkers are landing perfectly. With such form, he could prove to be a boon for Team India.
T Natarajan:
Another name that could be considered is that of left-arm pacer T Natarajan. Natarajan, a specialist in death overs, has been bowling in the same vein this season, for which he became famous. Natarajan has played 5 matches for Hyderabad this season, taking 10 wickets at an average of 17.00 and an economy of 8.50. Though his economy might seem worrying, it could be acceptable considering his performance in death overs. Left-arm pacer Natarajan is making the most impact. In such a scenario, selectors might consider him. However, he has been away from international cricket for a long time, which could be a weak link for him.
Mohammed Siraj:
Mohammed Siraj was once a name considered a sure pick for the World Cup before the start of IPL 2024. But questions have arisen about his form seeing his performance in IPL 2024. Siraj hasn’t been able to show any brilliance with the new ball and especially in the death overs… His name has only 5 wickets in 7 matches this season. With an economy of 10.35 and an average of 53.80, it seems Siraj is not making a case for himself in the World Cup squad. But due to Shami’s unfit status and Siraj’s continuous international cricket, selectors might give him an advantage.
Arshdeep Singh:
Another name that could be considered is that of Arshdeep Singh. In international cricket, especially in T20s, Arshdeep has been out of form for some time. However, in some matches of IPL 2024, he has shown signs of a comeback. Arshdeep has taken 10 wickets in 8 matches this season at an average of 25.70 and an economy of 9.40. 4 for 29 is his best performance. Arshdeep’s economy might raise concerns. But with both new balls and death overs, Arshdeep can perform exceptionally well. In such a scenario, selectors might also consider his name.
Apart from these, Sandeep Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshal Patel, and Harshit Rana are some names that selectors might consider. While Harshal is in the race for the purple cap with 13 wickets, Khaleel also has 10 wickets to his name. Meanwhile, KKR’s young pacer Harshit Rana has also made quite an impact this season. With 9 wickets in 6 matches, selectors will have to think about these names. The team selection is expected in the next few weeks. Now it remains to be seen whom selectors consider.
