T20 World Cup: India have always looked upon as a strong team in ICC events. They are a star-studded team. But Rohit Sharma and co will miss one of their stars, Ravindra Jadeja in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. As a result, the team management, including Rahul Dravid will need to sort out their team combination. Likewise, ex-Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena has opened up an area of concern. Follow T20 World Cup India updates with InsideSport
When Jadeja is in the squad, he is a surety in the Playing XI. He brings his all-round credentials and his left-hand batting element, which lends balance to the Indian team.
T20 World Cup: Ex-Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena raises BIG CONCERN area for Rohit Sharma & Rahul Dravid, Check Out
Now without Jadeja, they are in a spot of bother. Playing a left-hander in the middle order is an important element for Team India as they are loaded with right-handers. They have two left-hander options with the bat – Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel — in the squad.
The situation is such that they might have to leave out Dinesh Karthik and play Pant. It also means that the team is getting deprived of a finisher. The right-hander, after his impressive stint in IPL 2022 with RCB, has made it to the World Cup.
After having confirmed his ticket for the ICC event, it would be a tough call for the management to ask him sit out matches. Even if they play Pant, the southpaw has not been in great form, which makes matters complicated.
Jayawardena believes that India need to sort out their batting order, especially the number four and five along with the left-hand options. “It is….probably a concern not having that left-hander. They’ve switched to leaving out DK (Dinesh Karthik) and bringing in Rishabh (Pant) in that role, batting at 5 or 4. Those are things they have to settle going into the World Cup,” the Sri Lankan said in the ICC Review.
T20 World Cup: Ex-Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena raises BIG CONCERN area for Rohit Sharma & Rahul Dravid, Check Out
Next 6 T20 matches big for India
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It is at this juncture that the next six T20 matches assumes even more significance. India will face Australia in three T20s, starting September 20. It will be followed by the South Africa T20 series for three matches. Hence, it is the final chance for the management to find their best combination.
Once they reach Australia, they cannot afford to experiment. They need to have a set Playing XI before Rohit and co leave the Indian shores in quest of the T20 WC title.
