The T20 World Cup is going to start from February 7. India will face America in its first match on 7th. Before this first match, Team India’s leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has surprised cricket fans and experts by choosing his probable playing-11. Chahal has kept out big names like Ishan Kishan and Kuldeep Yadav for this match against America at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The special thing is that Kuldeep is currently in great form and is also a special friend of Chahal. Chahal has given preference to Varun Chakraborty over Kuldeep.
Surprise to keep Ishaan out
Ishan Kishan, who was in excellent form in the recent T20 series against New Zealand, not getting a place in the playing-11 is being considered the most shocking decision. Chahal has expressed confidence in the pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the opening. Sanju Samson’s recent performance has been mediocre, yet Chahal showed confidence in him. Regarding this selection, Chahal said, ‘In T20, I want such players who can control the game even under pressure.’
Emphasis on balance in the middle order
Tilak Verma, who is returning from injury, has got a place at number three in Chahal’s team. After this, captain Suryakumar Yadav will bat at number four. The role of middle order and finisher will be played by Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey and Rinku Singh. This combination gives both depth and power to the team. He preferred Rinku over Ishaan, while Ishaan has shown excellent form in the middle order.
aggressive bowling strategy
In the bowling department, Chahal has selected two spinners, Axar Patel and Varun Chakraborty. The responsibility of fast bowling will be on the shoulders of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Due to this balance, Kuldeep Yadav has been left out, who has played limited T20 matches after the 2025 Asia Cup final.
India’s challenge in Group A
Defending champions India have been placed in Group A along with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. Team India’s aim is to create history. India is eyeing to become the first team to defend the title on home soil and win the T20 World Cup for the third time. Chahal’s probable playing-11: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah.
