'If you want to win T20 WC, have five wicket-taking specialist bowlers' - Navjot Singh Sidhu's 'straight' advice to Rahul Dravid

As the highly anticipated ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner, the debate around India's squad selection is increasing. In the middle of all the discussions, former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu offered his advice to head coach Rahul Dravid. He emphasized the importance of a solid bowling attack for India's success in the marquee event in June.

India is placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and the co-hosts United States. Their campaign kicks off against Ireland on June 5 in New York, followed by the most awaited clash against Pakistan on June 9 at the same venue. After facing the co-hosts USA on June 12, India will conclude their group stage journey against Canada in Florida on June 15.

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BCCI to announce squad by 1st May

Sidhu believes that if the Men in Blue want to lift the coveted T20 World Cup trophy, they must field five wicket-taking specialist bowlers.

"My straight advice to Rahul Dravid is that if you want to win this tournament, have five wicket-taking specialist bowlers, simple," said Sidhu, answering a fan's question on the #AskStar segment on Star Sports.

Sidhu warned Dravid against making any compromises, "The collapse of a team's character stems from the compromise point," added Sidhu

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For the spin department, Sidhu asked for the inclusion of the talented leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi alongside the experienced duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. On the pace front, he proposed the names of Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Mohsin Khan, and Mayank Yadav, provided he regains full fitness.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is scheduled to announce the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup by May 1st. Currently, the players are participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The players whose teams fail to qualify for the playoffs will travel to the USA before the World Cup starts. However, the players whose teams advance to the playoffs will join the national team after the conclusion of their respective IPL campaigns.