Former Australian cricketer and commentator Matthew Hayden has recently shared his thoughts on India’s team for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which will be jointly hosted by the USA and the West Indies starting June 1.
Hayden described India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad as well-balanced and formidable, which is a perfect blend of experience and talent in all departments, setting high expectations for their success in the US and the Caribbean.
He further praised the excellent balance of the Indian team, particularly the inclusion of four spinners, and said it is a strategic move suited to the West Indies conditions. However, he is not sure about the effectiveness of India’s indirect strategy in the United States.
Matthew Hayden praises India team for T20 World Cup 2024
Additionally, Hayden also praised India’s batting line-up, highlighting the experience and versatility it offers, with a mix of left-handed and right-handed batsmen at the top of the batting order.
He suggested that captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal should open for the Indian cricket team in the T20 World Cup 2024, as he wants Virat Kohli to take the number three spot. He also praised Rohit’s leadership qualities and said his experience will help him in the mega event. India will play their first match against Ireland on June 5 in New York.
Matthew Hayden said on the Star Sports program “Follow the Blues”: “Excellent balance for the Indian team. Three (four) players in the team, which I think is a good strategy for West Indies conditions, but I’m not so sure about that in America. An excellent and experienced batting line-up, left and right hand combination at the top, Kohli at three. Rohit Sharma as a leader: well settled, well organized, he has been through many campaigns before.”
Talking about India’s bowling department, Hayden described the selection of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as strong. However, the cricket expert said that India’s bowling attack is very balanced but he would have picked a death specialist like T. Natarajan to bolster his fast bowling attack.
Matthew Hayden shares his views on India’s pace attack and X factor for ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Hayden further said on the show: “Fast bowlers in Bumrah and Siraj, strong selections I think. I probably would have liked to see a Natarajan, someone at the death who could come in and deliver like he did in the IPL. However, in general, a very balanced and very good squad.”
Speaking of Indian teamDue to the strength, the Australian said his world-class innovative batsmen are the Men in Blue’s greatest asset. He further mentioned that players like Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal have a unique approach compared to previous generation players. Hayden also termed Rishabh Pant as India’s X-factor for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
He said goodbye saying: “Their strength is their world-class innovative batsmen. When you look at the team, you think of Suryakumar Yadav, you think of Jaiswal – they do things differently than players of any other generation or any other talent. The X factor will be Rishabh Pant. It is also a great advantage.”
India squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh , Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Bookings: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.