T20 World Cup Squad: Rohit Sharma To Captain India, Hardik Pandya Named VC, Pant Gets Comeback While K L Rahul Dropped

Rohit Sharma will lead India in their pursuit of the long-awaited ICC Men's T20 World Cup glory, as the BCCI has unveiled their squad for the 2024 tournament.

Ahead of the squad announcement, there was speculation surrounding the wicketkeeper selection, with several contenders in the mix. Ultimately, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson have been entrusted with the wicketkeeping duties.

Pant's inclusion marks his return to international cricket after a near-fatal accident in December 2022 kept him sidelined for over a year.

Shivam Dube's impressive form in the IPL made his selection challenging to overlook, as he retains his spot in the squad following his performance in the recent T20I series against Afghanistan.

The 30-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Chennai Super Kings, scoring 350 runs in nine matches at a remarkable strike rate of 172.41.

India has also opted for a spin-heavy bowling lineup, including Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal, while the pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and vice-captain Hardik Pandya.

There were no surprises in the selection of the batsmen, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav expected to bolster the top order alongside captain Rohit.

Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh have been named among the reserves, along with pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.

One notable absence from India's squad is KL Rahul, who featured in India's last two T20 World Cup campaigns (2021 and 2022).

India is placed in Group A of the tournament alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. Their campaign kicks off on 5 June against Ireland at the newly-constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan.