Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has unveiled his 15-member squad for India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, sparking both surprise and debate among fans and experts.Manjrekar's squad features some unexpected inclusions and omissions. Notably, he has left out talismanic batter Virat Kohli, who has been a mainstay in India's T20I setup for over a decade. Instead, he has opted for Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder Krunal Pandya.At the top of the batting order, Manjrekar has gone with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav complete the top four, while Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Samson provide wicket-keeping options.In the all-rounder department, Manjrekar has selected Ravindra Jadeja and Krunal Pandya, leaving out pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.For the spin attack, Manjrekar has picked Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are his marquee pacers. Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav have also earned spots in the squad.Manjrekar's decision to snub Kohli has raised eyebrows, given the batter's exceptional record in T20 cricket. However, Manjrekar has defended his choice, stating that he believes the team needs a more balanced approach."I think we need to move away from the idea of having a fixed top three or four batters," Manjrekar said. "We need to have players who can bat anywhere in the order and contribute with both bat and ball."Manjrekar's squad has sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans and experts weighing in on his selections. It remains to be seen whether his predictions will come to fruition, but his bold choices have certainly added to the anticipation surrounding the T20 World Cup 2024.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate about his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Pant's unique abilities make him an indispensable asset for the team.Pant's blistering knock of 88 not out against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday night showcased his exceptional power-hitting prowess. He smashed eight sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 204.6, helping Delhi Capitals post a mammoth total of 224/4.Manjrekar emphasized that Pant's ability to score quick runs and win matches single-handedly sets him apart from other Indian wicket-keeper batters. "He's a guy who will get you a hundred in 60 balls and win the game," Manjrekar said. "That's something not too many in the Indian team will do."Pant's temperament and ability to thrive under pressure were also highlighted by Manjrekar. "He's just in a different kind of space where that kind of stage, platform just allows him to flourish more," he added.Another former India cricketer, Deep Dasgupta, echoed Manjrekar's sentiments, stating that Pant is an automatic choice for the playing XI. "He's there in my playing 11 without a shadow of doubt," Dasgupta said. "He's fitter, he's quicker, he's batting better."Pant's impressive IPL campaign has seen him score 342 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries. His explosive 88 not out knock has put him in contention to be India's wicketkeeper batter at the T20 World Cup.With the ICC's submission date for team selections set for May 1, participating teams have until May 25 to make changes to their original selections. Pant's recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case for inclusion in the Indian squad.