Harbhajan Singh names his squad for T20 World Cup 2024, excludes Hardik Pandya

Harbhajan Singh and Indian Cricket Team. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 commences shortly, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has caused a stir by revealing his picks for India’s 15-member squad for the marquee event.

Harbhajan has excluded the explosive all-rounder Hardik Pandya, while including the likes of Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and uncapped talents like Mayank Yadav and Harshit Rana.

Harbhajan, who was a key member of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup winning team, announced his preferred squad on his YouTube channel. His selections seem to be based on the ongoing IPL 2024 form, where Hardik has had a poor run with the Mumbai Indians. Harbhajan feels the Men in Blue needs a strategy revamp after their performances in recent ICC events.

Also read: Virender Sehwag names his squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Harbhajan Singh names Mayank Yadav in his squad

The 43-year-old named Rohit Sharma as captain, backed by a strong batting core of Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh. The wicketkeeping duties are shared between the experienced Rishabh Pant and the stylish Sanju Samson.

The bowling attack is a mix of youth and experience, with Jasprit Bumrah spearheading the pace battery alongside Avesh Khan and the impressive Mayank Yadav. He had a toss between left arm-seamer Arshdeep Singh and the uncapped Harshit Rana while the spin department includes the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Surprisingly, Harbhajan has omitted several established names like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Siraj, indicating a shift towards a more attacking and explosive approach.

Also read: Sanjay Manjrekar names his squad for T20 World Cup 2024, excludes Virat Kohli

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the 15-member T20 World Cup squad on May 1. The players are currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

The players whose teams do not qualify for the playoffs will go to the United States before the World Cup begins. However, players whose teams advance to the playoffs will join the national team when their separate IPL seasons end.

Harbhajan Singh’s 15 member squad for T20 WC 2024: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh/ Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav