Suryakumar Yadav is going to be key for India to win T20 World Cup: Yuvraj Singh

As the Indian team gears up to announce their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the coming days, former star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has opened up on who he thinks will be the key players for India's campaign. 

With the May 1 squad announcement deadline approaching, captain Rohit Sharma, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and coach Rahul Dravid are expected to finalise the 15-member squad. Many emerging talents from the ongoing IPL season could get a chance to be part of the team.

According to Yuvraj, who was instrumental in India's triumph in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, and recently was named as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador. He named Suryakumar Yadav and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to be crucial to India's chances of winning their second title. 

"Suryakumar Yadav (India's key player), Because of the way he plays, he can change the complexion of a game in 15 balls. And he is a surety, for India to win this T20 World Cup, Surya is going to be the key." Yuvraj was quoted as saying by ICC.

Also read: Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador

Yuzvendra Chahal as he has been bowling well: Yuvraj Singh

On the bowling front, Yuvraj emphasized the importance of Bumrah being at his best, "I think Jasprit Bumrah is also the key with the bowling," he added

The veteran also backed the inclusion of a specialist leg-spinner like Yuzvendra Chahal, who he feels has been bowling well.

"I would like to see a leg-spinner in the squad as well, like Yuzvendra Chahal as he has been bowling well," the former all-rounder was heard saying.

Also read: Abhishek is almost there but I don't think he is ready for the World Cup: Yuvraj Singh

Weighing in on India's wicketkeeping options, Yuvraj expressed satisfaction with Dinesh Karthik's current form but cautioned against picking the 38-year-old if he is not a part of the playing XI. He suggested the younger Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, who has been playing extremely well, may be better options.

"DK (Karthik) has been batting well, but the thing with DK is that the last time (2022) they picked him and the T20 WC was on he didn't get to play, If DK is not in your XI I don't think there is any point in picking him. There is Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, and both guys are in great form and they are younger." Yuvraj concluded.

Apart from Yuvraj, many other cricketers also have predicted their squad for the marquee event, which will commence on 1st June. With India being one of the favorites yet again to lift the title, all eyes will be on the correct mix of players being selected who will be traveling to the USA for the tournament.