Can India win the T20 World Cup title in 2024 after 17 years?
by September 24, 2007, marks a historic date in Indian cricket history when the team lifted the first-ever T20 World Cup trophy, becoming the inaugural champions by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final. However, it has been nearly 17 years since India last won the prestigious title. Despite their dominance in limited-overs cricket, India has struggled to replicate their 2007 success in subsequent T20 World Cup editions. The team reached the final in 2014 but lost to Sri Lanka. In the 2016 and 2022 tournaments, India was eliminated in the semi-final and Super 12 stages, respectively.
With the announcement of India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, expectations are high that the team can end their ICC trophy drought, which has lasted since their 2013 Champions Trophy win. The squad, led by Rohit Sharma, is set to win the cup second time for the nation. Bookmakers and fans have also placed India as the favourites to win the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Funinexchange offering high odds on their victory. However, the road to the title will not be easy, as India faces stiff competition from defending champions England, the ever-dangerous Australia, and other strong contenders like South Africa and Pakistan. In this blog, we will explore India’s chances of winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, analyze their squad, and discuss the challenges they might face on their journey to lift the trophy after 17 long years.
India’s Squad Analysis
India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is a well-rounded one, featuring a mix of experienced players and young talents. The team is led by the experienced duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been the main strength of the Indian batting lineup for years. Both players have a wealth of experience in ICC tournaments and will provide valuable guidance to the rest of the squad. In the opening department, the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal adds an aggressive option, who will open with the captain Rohit Sharma. In the middle order, the team has Suryakumar Yadav, best T20 batters in the world currently. Samson and Pant will have the dual responsibility of wicketkeeping and finishing the game. The all-rounder department is well-covered with Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, providing depth and balance to the team.
The spin bowling attack is a significant strength, with the experienced duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal leading the charge. Their ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets will be crucial to India’s success. In the pace bowling department, the team has the world-class bowler Jasprit Bumrah. He will lead the bowling attack with Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj. However, the lack of depth in the bowling unit, with only Bumrah being in consistent form, could be a potential concern for the team. Also, the team do not have in-depth betting, which is crucial for the T20 game and can be a big issue in the tournament.
India’s Winning Chances:
India’s chances of winning the T20 World Cup 2024 are influenced by several factors that could work in their favor. The team’s strengths lie in the experience and leadership of players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have a proven track record in ICC tournaments. Additionally, the squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters, providing a good balance in the team composition.
Key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to play crucial roles in India’s campaign, bringing their skills and match-winning abilities to the fore. The team’s spin department, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, adds depth and variety to the bowling attack, while the pace battery, including Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, provides the necessary firepower. India’s batting lineup, anchored by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the top, has the potential to set strong foundations for the team’s success. The middle order, featuring players like Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant, adds firepower and stability to the batting unit, capable of turning matches in India’s favor.
With the right mix of experience, talent, and leadership, India has a strong chance of clinching the T20 World Cup title after a 17-year drought. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, adapt to different conditions, and capitalize on key moments will be crucial in their journey for glory in the tournament.
Challenges Ahead
India faces stiff competition from several teams in their competition to win the 2024 T20 World Cup. The defending champions, England, has a strong squad with players like Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Phil Salt, and Sam Curran, who have impressed with their performances in the IPL. Australia will also be a big obstacle, having consistently knocked India out of major tournaments. Pakistan and South Africa, who have shown good form in recent times, will also be a challenge to India’s title aspirations.
The pressure of expectations will weigh heavily on the Indian team, particularly given their 17-year drought without an ICC trophy. The team’s performance in the tournament will be scrutinized closely, and any failure to deliver will be met with disappointment and criticism.
