T20 World Cup: More power, more depth; why India’s 2026 squad outshines 2024 | Cricket News – The Times of India
India enter the T20 World Cup at home with a squad that appears settled, dangerous, and confident, building on the approach that brought them success in the Caribbean 19 months ago. The team that lifted the title in 2024 under Rohit Sharma found a clear method in the shortest format, led by attacking intent at the top, and the current group has taken that template forward.Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes the side has progressed further since that triumph.“There are a few changes (to the side) but this team has gone to the next level since Rohit inspired his team to that trophy couple of years ago. The way they played against New Zealand recently was something special. Unless they have one bad day, which can happen in this format, India should be able to win the trophy again,” Dasgupta was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Eight players from the 2024 World Cup-winning squad remain part of the Suryakumar Yadav-led side. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are no longer in the setup, India have moved on quickly, with Hardik Pandya continuing to play a key role as the balance point of the team.Since the final win over South Africa in Barbados, India have added Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy to the group. Both now sit at the top of the ICC batting and bowling rankings respectively. Tilak Varma has also become a regular after strong performances in the Asia Cup last year. Shivam Dube, who featured in 2024, has since added consistency with both bat and ball.India’s pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Harshit Rana providing cover after recent all-round contributions. Ishan Kishan, picked as a reserve wicketkeeper-batter, has strengthened his case after a strong series against New Zealand and is expected to start the tournament opener against the United States.The recent series win over New Zealand underlined India’s depth, even though Sanju Samson struggled for runs at the top alongside Abhishek Sharma. Since October 2023, India have recorded the highest number of 200-plus totals, with 20 such scores, and also lead in six-hitting rate, striking one every 10.99 balls.Much of that output has come from Abhishek Sharma, whose strike rate of 194.74 stands out. His approach has reshaped India’s powerplay batting.With the first match less than a week away, the team management’s main concern remains the batting order, particularly Samson’s form. Kuldeep Yadav may also find selection difficult if both Bumrah and Arshdeep are included.“It is sad that Sanju is not in form. And it also kind of makes things a little tricky for the Indian side. But it was good to see Tilak playing that side game yesterday.“But the next challenge is how serious are you looking at a left-right combination? Yeah. And if Surya bats at four, then you’re looking at top three left-handers (Abhishek, Kishan, Tilak), which I personally think it’s fine,” Dasgupta said, as cited by PTI.While India go into the tournament as one of the leading contenders, Dasgupta feels conditions later in the competition could pose challenges as pitches slow down. He pointed out the absence of Kohli, who previously played the role of stabiliser when batting became difficult.“Virat played a very, very important role in the last World Cup because of pitches that he played on. So if the pitch is doing something and you have the power-hitters like you do, it is very, very difficult for them to adapt. Because that is the only way they play.“But I still think you need somebody who can play that holding role. Not necessarily that you have to play that role in every game.“When I look at Tilak and Surya, India have got in this side these two guys who can change their game based on conditions,” Dasgupta added.