First Batch of Indian Players Depart for US Ahead of ICC T20 World Cup

The initial contingent of Indian players, featuring captain Rohit Sharma, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, and top-ranked T20I batsman Suryakumar Yadav, departed for the United States ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup commencing from June 1. Alongside them at Mumbai Airport were head coach Rahul Dravid, batting coach Vikram Rathour, batsman Shubman Gill, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, pacers Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

Notably absent were Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Rinku Singh, wrapping up their IPL commitments, along with Virat Kohli, whose team’s IPL campaign recently ended. India’s T20 World Cup journey kicks off on June 5 against Ireland in New York. The much-anticipated clash against Pakistan is scheduled for June 9, followed by matches against USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15 to conclude their Group A fixtures.

India’s aspirations include breaking their ICC trophy drought, having last clinched the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Despite numerous close calls, including reaching the final of the 2023 50-over World Cup, India has yet to secure a major ICC title since then. The team aims to claim their first T20 World Cup title since their victorious campaign in 2007, with the disappointment of the 2022 edition’s semifinal loss to England driving their determination.

The Indian squad, led by Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, boasts talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and a formidable bowling attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Reserves include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan.