NEW DELHI: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has weighed in on the much-anticipated selection of Team India's squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, slated to be announced by May 1.
In a video shared by Star Sports on social media, Pathan outlined his ideal lineup, offering insights into his choices for various positions within the team.
"Captain Rohit Sharma opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Virat Kohli at No.3, with Suryakumar Yadav as No.4 batter," Pathan asserted, delineating his batting order preferences.
He further elaborated on the middle order, suggesting, "For No. 5 & 6 in the batting line-up, we should have Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube for the two slots."
Pathan then delved into the lower middle order, proposing, "For No. 7 & 8, we should have Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja."
Regarding the spin department, Pathan expressed his views, stating, "For spinners, especially wrist spinners, Kuldeep Yadav is a certainty. After that, if you take one more spinner then the contest is between Ravi Bishnoi and Yuzvendra Chahal. I will prefer Bishnoi as he is a better fielder."
In terms of the pace bowling unit, Pathan singled out, "Among the fast bowlers, the first name will be Jasprit Bumrah, after that Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj."
Pathan also addressed the dilemma of an extra batter, remarking, "For an extra batter, the discussion will be between Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson. It will be an extra batter or an extra wicketkeeper. If one is chosen in the 15-member squad, the other can go as a traveling reserve"
Watch:
Irfan Pathan's India squad for T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson.
