Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has unveiled his ideal playing XI for the upcoming T20 World Cup, omitting young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal from the lineup. Sanjay Manjrekar advocates for star batsman Virat Kohli to open alongside captain Rohit Sharma, leaving no room for Yashaswi Jaiswal in the team.
Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance in the previous T20 World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 741 runs, influences Sanjay Manjrekar’s decision. The veteran cricketer emphasizes the need to prioritize experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at the top of the order.
Sanjay Manjrekar suggests starting with Rishabh Pant as the primary wicketkeeper in the tournament, citing his prowess as a “big-match player.” He also highlights the importance of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, despite his recent poor form in IPL 2024, praising his ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches.
Both Hardik Pandya and Risabh Pant are expected to play pivotal roles for India in the T20 World Cup, contributing significantly in high-pressure situations during the knockout stages.
Risabh Pant, making a comeback after a 17-month hiatus following a car accident, and Hardik Pandya, known for his impactful performances in crucial matches, are anticipated to provide stability and firepower to the Indian team in the upcoming tournament.
