As the cricket world prepares for the highly anticipated T20I World Cup 2024, India will be hoping that their best fast-bowling talents are in peak form ahead of the tournament.
While Mohammed Shami is injured and will not be included in the squad, Jasprit Bumrah is a foregone conclusion given that he is currently one of the best pacers in the world across formats.
However, the remaining pace bowling spots in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 are up for grabs, and here are the contenders vying for them.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has been one of the IPL 2024’s standout bowlers, demonstrating his ability to swing the ball while maintaining impressive lines and length. The Punjab Kings pacer has nine wickets in the IPL 2024 and has demonstrated his 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 established himself as a legitimate wicket-taking option for India in T20 cricket, his recent habit of conceding runs in the death overs is a major concern.
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 are slim. He has four wickets in the IPL 2024 with an economy rate of 10.41, which does not make for good reading. Although his T20I numbers for India aren’t the worst, with 12 wickets at an average of 27.83, Siraj’s proclivity to go for runs at the death, combined with his current form, do not bode well for his selection chances.
Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan has been in excellent form for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024, demonstrating his pace and ability to induce steep bounces off the pitch. His aggressive bowling style and ability to take early wickets have helped him become a formidable force in the powerplay overs. Avesh has seven wickets in seven IPL matches this season and a decent T20I record of 19 scalps in 20 outings. If Avesh continues to pick wickets at crucial moments while remaining economical in the IPL 2024, he has a slim chance of making India’s T20 World Cup team.
Mukesh Kumar
Mukesh Kumar, another pacer with an outside chance of making India’s T20 World Cup squad, was not considered for selection a month ago, but his performance in the 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 12 in 14 appearances for India. Mukesh’s performances in the IPL 2024 have helped Delhi Capitals gain some traction recently, and if he continues to produce strong performances for DC, the 30-year-old could be one of India’s pacers at the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar is an additional pace option for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. He has 31 wickets in T20Is for India, with an average of 24.09 and an economy of 8.30. However, given his lack of consistency, he is unlikely to join the Men in Blue squad. Deepak’s main competitor, Arshdeep, is a death-over expert with more international experience than him. Arshdeep also excels as a left-arm pacer. Chahar can only make his way into selection contention if he has a successful IPL 2024 season. He currently has four wickets in four IPL 2024 games, which is insufficient to put him in contention for selection.
