India is set to kick off their campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York against Ireland, with hopes of ending their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy. The last time they clinched an ICC event was in 2013 when they won the Champions Trophy in a thrilling final against England. Despite being outplayed for large periods in that final, MS Dhoni’s India staged a stunning fightback and claimed victory in a low-scoring affair. Since that triumph, India has struggled to perform in crucial knockout games, often falling short at the final hurdle.
The upcoming T20 World Cup will see three veterans, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, leading the Indian side. These players were part of the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team and are the only ones in the current squad with experience of winning a major tournament. As they enter the twilight of their careers, all eyes are on them to deliver in this edition of the World Cup. While they played pivotal roles in India’s run to the ODI World Cup final last year, they fell short against Australia in the title clash.
With the T20 format favoring young and aggressive players, questions have been raised about the inclusion of the veteran trio in the squad. However, their experience and leadership qualities could prove crucial in high-pressure situations. India will rely on players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya to make an impact in the tournament. The team’s success will also depend on Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja’s ability to lead from the front and guide the team through tough situations.
India is expected to secure a top-two finish in Group A, which also includes Pakistan, USA, Canada, and Ireland. The real test will come in the Super Eight stage, where they will face off against other Test-playing nations for a spot in the semifinals. Anything less than a semifinal appearance would be a disappointment for the veteran players who are keen on adding another ICC trophy to their collection. As they aim for redemption, the team will look to draw inspiration from past victories and fight until the last ball to make their country proud.
