T20 World Cup: Carribean-bound India squad's IPL performances don't inspire much confidence
T20 World Cup, starting next Sunday, poses a dilemma. As a tournament, it is great. But when you think of the Indians in the IPL, particularly those chosen for the T20 World Cup, a sense of unease sets in. In fact, in a fantasy XI based on IPL performances, only two Indians deserve a place. That tells you something about India’s chances in the T20 World Cup.
This Indian team doesn’t appear formidable as the tournament approaches. This probably marks the first time in years that an Indian side is entering the World Cup with such little hype. The underdog tag could work in India’s favour; less pressure isn’t always detrimental and might help the team exceed expectations.
Coming back to the fantasy XI, Travis Head and Sunil Narine are going to be the openers. While Head can single-handedly win a game, Narine, one of the best IPL players of all time, has had an unexpected resurgence as a batter this year. Both can score at a rapid clip in the Powerplay and set the game up. Narine, with the ball, has also been exceptional.
At No. 3 would be Virat Kohli, easily the best Indian batter in the tournament. He batted with flair and skill, and also improved his strike-rate in the second half of the season.
Heinrich Klaasen has to be the No. 4. His ability to hit sixes makes him a nightmare for the opposition bowlers. A safe wicketkeeper, Klaasen is at his best at the moment.
David Miller would be No. 5. Yet again a standout performer for Gujarat, Miller has been the franchise’s Mr Consistent. His ability to soak in
