File photo of Arshdeep Singh© AFP
As the cricketing world prepares for the highly anticipated T20I World Cup 2024, India will be hoping to have their best fast bowling talents in top form ahead of the tournament. While Mohammed Shami is injured and won’t be a part of the squad, Jasprit Bumrah is a nailed on certainty considering he’s one of the best pacers in the world across formats at the moment. However, the remaining pace bowling spots in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 are up for grabs and here we look at the contenders who are vying for the pace bowling positions.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has been one of the star bowlers in IPL 2024, demonstrating his ability to swing the ball while maintaining remarkable lines and length. The Punjab Kings pacer has nine wickets in IPL 2024 and has shown the ability to pick up wickets at regular intervals. He also has 62 wickets in 44 international appearances for the Men in Blue and while Arshdeep has shown himself as a legitimate wicket-taking option for India in T20 cricket, his habit of surrendering runs in the death overs of late is a major issue.
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj has not been in good form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 and his chances of making India’s T20 World Cup squad aren’t great. He has taken four wickets in IPL 2024 with an economy rate of 10.41, which doesn’t make for kind reading. Although his T20I numbers for India aren’t the worst having taken 12 wickets at an average of 27.83, Siraj’s propensity to go for runs at the death and his current form does not bode well for his selection chances.
Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan has been in excellent form for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 having demonstrated his pace and ability to induce steep bounces off the pitch. His aggressive bowling style and ability to take up early wickets have made him a formidable force in the powerplay overs. Avesh has collected seven wickets in seven IPL matches this season and also has a decent T20I record, having taken 19 scalps in 20 outings. If Avesh continues to pick wickets at crucial junctures while remaining economical in IPL 2024, he has an outside chance of making India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Mukesh Kumar
Another pacer with an outside chance of making India’s T20 World Cup squad, Mukesh Kumar may not have been considered for the India T20 World Cup selection a month ago, but his performance in IPL 2024 has certainly put him on the radar. Mukesh has eight wickets in four IPL matches this season and the right-arm medium pacer has also taken 12 wickets in 14 outings for India. Mukesh’s performances in IPL 2024 has helped Delhi Capitals gain some form of late and if he continues to produce strong displays for DC, the 30-year-old might just be one of India’s pacers at the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar is another pace option for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. He has 31 wickets at an average of 24.09 and an economy of 8.30 in T20Is for India. However, his lack of consistency makes it unlikely that he will join the Men in Blue squad. Deepak’s main competitor, Arshdeep, is a death-over specialist with greater international experience than him. Arshdeep also has an edge as a left-arm pacer. Chahar can only force his way into selection contention if he has a highly successful IPL 2024 season. At present, he has taken four wickets in four IPL 2024 games, which is insufficient for him to push his way into the selection reckoning.
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