Thanks to the disruption caused by Covid-19, 2022 provides cricket fans with the second T20 World Cup in the space of as many years. Hot on the heels of the 2021 event held in the UAE and Oman, this October/November sees the latest international celebration of the short format game take place in Australia, as the host nation bid to defend their crown.
A hugely popular global competition, ICC T20 World Cup 2022 looks set to dominate the sporting headlines and attract the attention of sports bettors all around the world. Indeed, many punters may already be seeking to boost their bankroll ahead of the competition by following the advice of the best CDF brokers.
India Favourites to Lift the Trophy?
And for those looking to place a bet on the outcome of the tournament, India are the nation currently vying for favouritism with the defending champion’s Australia. And rightfully so, as despite their recent struggles against South Africa – albeit with a depleted line-up – “The Men in Blue” are still the number 1 T20 side in the world according to the ICC official rankings, with Pakistan, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand rounding out the top five.
Reason to be excited for Indian cricket fans then, with the side looking to have a very realistic shot of winning their first title since claiming top spot at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg in the inaugural edition back in 2007. And whilst the claims of such a talented squad of players largely speak for themselves, there are a few questions which are hot topics of conversation in the build up to the tournament.
Kohli form a Concern?
A two time Man of the Tournament at the ICC World T20, in 2014 and 2016, and considered by many to be one of the greatest limited overs batsmen in the history of the sport, former captain Virat Kohli ought to be one of India’s most potent threats headed into the tournament…..and he might be yet. The only trouble is he hasn’t looked anywhere near his brilliant best during the 2022 IPL season, ending the campaign with 341 runs across 16 innings for an average of 21.31.
Is it fatigue? Or a mental or technical issue? Only Kohli likely knows the answer, but India’s chances will be improved immeasurably if “Cheeku” can return to his scintillating best in time for the tournament.
A Place in the Squad for Karthik?
If current form was to be used as the main criteria upon which the World Cup squad is selected, then Dinesh Karthik’s place on the plane would already be assured. Looking a player on the downgrade with the Kolkata Knight Riders during 2021, Karthik has been a man reborn since being snapped up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the 2022 IPL auction.
Mixing finesse with ferocity in his role as designated finisher, the 37-year-old has given the opposition attack nightmares, blitzing his way to an average of 55.00. So often the decisive factor for his side during the 2022 season, can he repeat that form on the international stage?
Yadiv Back to his Bamboozling Best?
Looking set to be a mainstay of India’s spin attack when forming a devasting duo with Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav is another player whose form had nosedived in recent seasons. However, form is temporary, but class is permanent, or so the old saying goes, and Yadiv has once again displayed his undoubted natural talent since making the switch to the Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2022 IPL season. Ending the campaign with 21 wickets from 13 matches, Kuldeep spun his way to a top five finish in the wicket charts.
Seemingly benefiting from working closely with Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson, the first Indian bowler to take two hattricks in international cricket is looking back to something like his brilliant best. As a left arm leg spinner, Yadiv certainly offers something a little different, and when on song can be difficult to prepare for, and very tough to stop.
How to get the best out of Rishabh Pant?
Undoubtedly one of the more dynamically brilliant batsmen in the current India squad, Rishabh Pant seems sure to be amongst the most exciting men to watch at the crease at the looming tournament – with his improvisation and explosiveness looking to be a significant weapon in the Indian armoury. The question is where to deploy the mercurial left hander in the batting order?
Handed the captaincy in the recent encounters with South Africa, Pant was listed at six and seven in the line-up, but there have been those calling for him to be promoted given that ability to rack up runs in explosive bursts. Perhaps however his talents may be best suited to the role of a floater, being elevated as and when the circumstances of the match demands. Whether four, five, six or seven Pant is a man with the potential to light up this tournament.
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