T-20 World Cup 2022 is knocking on the door of the Indian team that is gearing up to bag the world cup under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. The Indian team has surely missed the services of Virat Kohli who has lost his form for the past three years. The former Indian skipper has been struggling to flow runs from his bat and is also a deciding factor for the team considering his experience in the world cups. Apart from the top order that is lately blazing runs in the form of Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Deepak Hooda, India has much more to look after than the middle-order formation.
The Indian team is witnessing the rise of Hardik Pandya as a leader and finisher. Hardik has long struggled with injuries but his role as a leader and formidable batsman for Gujarat Titans, helped the side lift their maiden IPL title on their debut in the league. Hardik is a crucial aspect for the men in blue but the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, and Deepak Hooda, cannot be ignored as finishers. Apart from the said names, India will also add a feather to their bench strength. India will prominently look to groom the likes of Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar, and Venkatesh Iyer.
Axar Patel
Axar Patel is the frontrunner in the race of grabbing the position of a bowling all-rounder. Axar Patel produced a heroic performance against West Indies in the second ODI. Patel finished the match and triumphed by 64 off 35 deliveries. Axar Patel has been brilliant in the Test format, too. Axar Patel is the potential like to replace Ravindra Jadeja, Ravindra Jadeja has been all-format player and similar can be expected from Patel considering the similar style of gameplay. Considering the conditions in Australia – seam and bounce – Axar’s height and ability to bowl tight lines consistently makes him a favorite to fly to Australia.
Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda scored a brilliant ton against England. While leading the middle-order, Hooda looked promising to launch attack against pace and spin equivalently. Deepak Hooda would lose his place to Virat Kohli but the all-rounder batsman can fill the shoes of a finisher. Deepak Hooda can bowl as well as bat and will be handy alongside Hardik Pandya.
Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar is injured and ruled out of the Indian team but his all-round ability to bat to anchor an explosive inning pitches him ahead. Chahar can swing the bowl and upset the team in the early overs. His ability to strike the ball from the ‘word-go’ promotes him to extend the batting lineup.
Venkatesh Iyer
In the Australian conditions, pace bowling alongside creating bounce will be crucial factors to swing match in India’s favor. Alongside Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer will prove to be a crucial match-winning all-rounder for India. Venkatesh could bat up the order and provide an opening slot alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.
