T20 World Cup 2022: SWOT analysis of Indian team – Rohit Sharma-led side aim to end ICC trophy drought

India last won a major ICC trophy back in 2013 when former skipper MS Dhoni lead the team to glory in England. Since India has consistently qualified for the knockout stages of marquee events but they haven’t been cross the last hurdles.

However, the last edition of the 2021 T20 World Cup was the exception when the Virat Kohli-led team could not even go past the Super 12 stage. Thus, the Men in Blue will be determined to turn the tables and go all the way in the upcoming edition.

India have been at their best in the bilateral series but they haven’t been able to come up with a collective effort in the big matches and they will be determined to end their hoodoo.

Strengths: Batting

India’s top order – Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav have been in top form in the recent times. Rohit might not have yet hit the top gear yet but his impressive records in major events is well known. However, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav have been sensational and they will be looking to be at their best. SKY is in the form of his life and he is going to hold a key role in India’s success.

Weaknesses: Death bowling

While India’s batting has given them an extra cushion, their death bowling has let the team down in the recent past. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is the team’s most experienced bowler, has had a rough time and he will need to pull up his socks. Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh, who both will play their maiden World Cup, will also need to be at their best.

Opportunities:

In the absence of players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, there will be a chance for young players to grab their opportunities. Players like Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant will look to deliver for the team.

Threats:

India will miss the services of gun players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja due to their respective injuries. Bumrah will be missed at the fag end of the innings and Jadeja will be deeply for the finishing touches in batting.

Furthermore, India hasn’t been to win the crucial junctions of the big matches and it will be at the back of their minds.

Probable Playing XI for the ICC T20 World Cup:

Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Indian Team for ICC T20 World Cup 2022:

Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Shami.