Will Team India Win T20 World Cup 2021?

ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is making headlines in the latest news of cricket. The Super 12 games have created a lot of interest among fans and it looks like a tough road for teams who lose even one game as the competition for 4 semi-final spots is on the knife edge. Unfortunately, India seems to have started on the wrong foot as they lost their first match against Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup. But as per experts, India is still one of the favorites to win the tournament as they have a history of bouncing back from a difficult loss. So, let’s look at how India can beat the odds and get home the WC trophy.     

India’s Super 12 Schedule 

• • Match 1: India vs. Pakistan: Oct 24th: Dubai International Stadium: Pakistan won by 10 wickets 
  • Match 2: India vs. New Zealand: Oct 31st: Dubai International Stadium
  • Match 3: India vs. Afghanistan: Nov 3rd: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
  • Match 4: India vs. Scotland: Nov 5th: Dubai International Stadium
• Match 5: India vs. Namibia: Nov 8th: Dubai International Stadium

India’s Game Plan Ahead 

After losing to Pakistan by 10 wickets, the Indian team came under heavy criticism for the final 11 selection, especially the inclusion of all-rounder Hardik Pandya who is currently not bowling due to back problems. However, without the 6th bowling option, India could not put any pressure on the Pakistan team as dew made a significant difference in the outcome of the match. 

The Indian openers’ familiar issue of struggle against left-arm seam resurfaced again as Shaheen Afridi removed Rohit and Rahul, which proved India’s undoing while batting. It was a forgettable match for the Indian team, and they now need to move on and win against New Zealand, which is like a virtual quarter-final with everything at stake.

The only good thing that took place during the Pakistan match was the return of form for King Kohli. Suppose India can sort out the team combination before New Zealand and beat New Zealand, who also lost against Pakistan. In that case, the campaign will be back on track making India a dangerous team for opponents.

As per news reports, India might stick to the same team that played against Pakistan for the do-or-die game against New Zealand on Oct 31st. Also, the toss has become a crucial factor in Dubai and gives the chasing side a better chance to win because of the dew factor. Therefore, India needs to have a solid plan if they lose the toss and need to defend the score.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling form has become a cause of concern and may need to be replaced by in-form Shardul Thakur, who bowled well in the IPL. Also, Ishan Kishan needs to find a place in the eleven as he looked in superb touch in the warm-up games. India has to make all the necessary adjustments and get in a positive frame of mind against the black caps; otherwise, semi-final entry might become almost impossible even if they win the rest of their matches against Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia.  

Kohli looked very confident in a press conference ahead of the match against New Zealand. He has said they will play with full intensity and try to win all the remaining matches without any complacency. Hardik Pandya has also started bowling in the nets and might bowl in the upcoming matches to make it to the final 11. If India plays to their potential and gets a score of 170 to 180 consistently, they have the bowling attack to defend this score even if there is dew in the second innings.

Best Possible playing 11 

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy

As per the latest news of cricket, Hardik Pandya might bowl in the remaining matches, which can make a massive difference for the balance of the team. If India manages to beat New Zealand and get on a roll, there is a great possibility of entering the final, and if everything goes well, even lift the ICC T20 WC title for the second time after 2007.