Sanjay Manjrekar names his squad for T20 World Cup 2024, excludes Virat Kohli

With the highly anticipated ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 rapidly approaching, cricket experts and fans around the globe are eagerly sharing their predictions for the marquee tournament. Among them is former Indian batting stalwart Sanjay Manjrekar, who recently predicted his ideal Indian squad for the World Cup taking place across the USA and West Indies in June.

India, having won the inaugural edition in 2007, will be keen to add another title to their cabinet. Manjrekar offered his expert analysis of the tournament and he believes India have the best chance at glory.

Speaking on Star Sports, Manjrekar proposed a powerful Indian lineup headlined by captain Rohit Sharma opening the batting alongside young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal. The formidable middle order features heroes like Suryakumar Yadav, and the dynamic Rishabh Pant donning the wicketkeeping gloves.

Manjrekar has made some bold calls, such as the inclusion of Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Krunal Pandya, alongside Ravindra Jadeja. He left out Hardik Pandya from his squad, who has been having a tough IPL.

The spin department consists of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The pace bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Avesh Khan to spearhead the attack is included in his squad. The experienced commentator has also found a spot for KKR's Harshit Rana as a pace bowler.

Also read: Virender Sehwag names his squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Manjerekar was in all praise for left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and believes that he is currently at the peak of his career. 

"Yes. And this is perhaps Kuldeep Yadav at his peak with regards to his skills, his confidence. You can see now he's out there like a Bumrah or Chahal at his peak. He is commanding that kind of respect. He looks comfortable with the responsibility and champions, you know, those breaks and those moments that you are seeking at the right time."

Kuldeep Yadav is having a good IPL 2024 season and has picked 12 wickets in six games and is in contention for the highest wicket-taker list. Yadav since his return to the Indian team has been phenomenal, giving his side those crucial wickets and turning the game towards them.

Sanjay Manjrekar's squad for T20 WC 2024: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav, Krunal Pandya