NO VIRAT KOHLI, NO HARDIK PANDYA: SANJAY MANJREKAR MAKES BOLD INDIA SQUAD PICKS FOR T20 WORLD CUP

NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar made surprising additions and omissions in his 15-member India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas. Amidst heightened anticipation surrounding the squad announcement, Manjrekar's choices have sparked intense debate among fans and experts.

Manjrekar raised eyebrows by excluding talismanic India batter Virat Kohli from his squad, opting instead for Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder Krunal Pandya. The unexpected move has added an element of unpredictability to India's potential lineup for the prestigious tournament.

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Manjrekar opted for the dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, supported by the inclusion of Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav in the top four. The squad featured three wicket-keepers, with Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Samson all securing spots.

In the all-rounder department, Manjrekar chose Ravindra Jadeja and Krunal Pandya, omitting pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube from the lineup.

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The spin bowling contingent comprises Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, both hailed for their match-winning capabilities. Meanwhile, the pace attack is led by stalwarts Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, showcasing Manjrekar's confidence in their ability to deliver under pressure.

"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," Manjrekar said.

Sanjay Manjrekar's India squad for T20 World Cup:

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.