India will face off against their bitter rivals Pakistan in the opener to this year’s T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue will enter the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way, alongside Australia, England, and reigning champions, the West Indies. Who are the players who could be the potential difference-makers for the team that hasn’t won since the inaugural competition in 2007?
Suryakumar Yadav
There is a lot of hype around Suryakumar Yadav right now, with the Mumbai Indians player having made his international debut earlier this year. The 30-year-old has only played four T20 international matches to date, but he has been consistent in his performances. His average currently stands at 46.33, with a top score of 57. On top of that, Yadav has enjoyed excellent form on a domestic level for the past two years.
Some would say that there was no disputing Yadav’s selection, and there is a strong chance he could slot in at number four for Team India. But will he be the difference-maker in Ravi Shastri’s side? For a major competition like this, it’s all about having the form players. And the consistency of batsmen like Yadav could be why India can be backed at 5/2 with Bet365 to be the last team standing. Bettors can stake on those odds through a cricket betting app, where they simply click a link to the bookmaker to claim a deposit bonus. With many bookmakers now offering apps, bettors can make in-play bets. Naturally, different apps will offer different services so reviews can help guide you to the right app.
Virat Kohli
Any team with aspirations of winning a major international tournament requires an inspirational campaign from its captain. India will be looking to Virat Kohli to show why he is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen ever to have lived. The 32-year-old’s T20 batting average is a highly respectable 52.65, with a highest score of 94 not out.
What a game of cricket 👌
Everyone stepping up, love the commitment and attitude. Way to go boys 🇮🇳 💪 pic.twitter.com/hSgmxkLiiP— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 16, 2021
The chances of India getting off to a flyer against Pakistan are high, as Kohli has an incredible record against them. He has played six T20 matches against India’s main rivals, with 254 runs scored in those games. This equates to an average of 84.66, his highest against any team other than Sri Lanka. He has faced the latter seven times and has an average of 84.75 against them.
Jasprit Bumrah
India will have to be good with the ball as well as the bat to prevail in the upcoming tournament. New Zealand and Australia arguably have the best bowling units at their disposal, but India has a potential world-beater in Jasprit Bumrah. The 27-year-old has been one of the first names on India’s team sheet since his T20 in 2016.
Bumrah’s career-best in T20 for India was 3/11, and he has taken 59 wickets across 50 games. Luckily for the Men in Blue, the fast bowler is in excellent form going into the tournament. In September, he became the fastest Indian pace bowler to 100 wickets, achieving the feat in 24 test matches.
India’s chances in the T20 World Cup are high, mainly due to their impeccable batting line up. If they get off to a flying start against Pakistan, they could ride that momentum all the way.
