There seems to be a change in the environment for both Pakistan and India ahead of their clash in the T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Blue have had the upper edge over their arch-rivals in all the games in the marquee tournament so far, maintaining a 6-1 streak. The last time the two sides squared off against each other, Pakistan were floored by a Virat Kohli masterclass at the MCG at the T20 WC 2022.
What has changed for India?
India head into the tournament as one of the stronger sides – both on paper and on field. Rohit Sharma and co. are aiming to end their ICC trophy drought as the combination of Hitman-Dravid eye their one last chance to win a major event before the end of their tenure. India have an incredible record against Pakistan in the shortest format of the game, stemming from the success in the inaugural World Cup in 2007.
India is continued to be led by Rohit Sharma, who managed to ward off the Pakistan threat in 2022, thanks to Virat Kohli. Some of the notable exclusions from the 2022 edition include KL Rahul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Dinesh Karthik, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammad Shami. Instead, India have given an opportunity to all-rounder Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, pacer Mohammed Siraj. Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the last T20I clash against Pakistan owing to injury, will also feature in the clash at New York.
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Pakistan almost back to square one after chain of changes
A considerable amount of changes have been seen in both the sides since the 2022 edition. Pakistan’s Babar Azam is back to lead the side once again after PCB’s brief experiment with Shaheen Afridi. The have also recruited a new coach for the white-ball format – former World Cup winning star Gary Kirsten – as a part of their ambitious overhaul in the chase for the T20 WC glory.
As far as the team is concerned, Pakistan’s core remains constant – with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Ifthikar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf – comprising of the cream of the line-up. The side has also paved way for the inclusion of Azam Khan as the side’s new keeper and finisher. Opener Saim Ayub, who has had a prolific domestic season, has also been included in the line-up. Mohammad Nawaz, Haider Ali and Shan Masood are some of the notable exclusion from the team for the 2024 edition.
