Knocked out of T20 World Cup, time for India to take fresh guard? | Cricket News – Times of India

After the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship, New Zealand once again officially ended India’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, beating Afghanistan by 8 wickets on Sunday. But the next T20 World Cup, in Australia, is barely a year away. Preparations for that should begin in right earnest with the T20 series against New Zealand, which starts in Jaipur three days after the final of this World Cup.
The forthcoming series presents India with the perfect opportunity to rest fatigued multi-format players and infuse some fresh blood. Ahead of the selection meeting for the series, TOI suggests a tentative XI who should/could take the field against the Black Caps.
A T20 TEAM TO FRESHEN UP THINGS
Rohit Sharma (Captain): As India’s likely T20I captain following Virat Kohli’s exit, he should be allowed to build the team for the next World Cup. He could probably do with a break too, as he has been on the road since May, but that may have to wait till later.
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The highest run-getter in IPL 2021 deserves to partner Rohit at the top. An elegant strokeplayer, his ability to pierce the field in the powerplay makes him an attractive opening option.
Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper): The Team India management has insisted on treating him as a reserve opener, but he had his best season for Mumbai Indians last year while batting at No. 3. His being a left-hander is an added advantage.
Suryakumar Yadav: He’s a 360-degree player, rare for an Indian batsman. A fearless shot maker, he could prove crucial in Australia next year. Waited a long time for his break at the international level.

Shreyas Iyer: Can attack, can defend. Was unlucky to miss out on the World Cup squad (he was in the reserves) and should be in the XI.
Venkatesh Iyer: The KKR think-tank unlocked his potential by giving him the licence to attack upfront in the UAE leg of the IPL. But given the logjam at the top, his best chance of breaking into the India XI is as a slog overs hitter who can also be a sixth bowling option.
Axar Patel: Was desperately unlucky to be demoted to the reserves after initially being picked for the World Cup XV. Has really come into his own in the Delhi Capitals set-up. His speed and trajectory make him a tough bowler to go after and his hitting potential has not been used consistently. Excellent in the field too.
Harshal Patel: His slower ones and cutters foxed the best of hitters in this year’s IPL. A go-to man for a captain to both contain and strike. His 32 wickets in the 2021 IPL is the joint highest ever for a bowler (with Dwayne Bravo) and should put him in pole position for an India call-up.
Deepak Chahar: Has a knack for picking wickets in the powerplay and has also improved as a death bowler, having developed the split-finger slower one and the knuckleball. Handy batsman too, as he showed in the series against Sri Lanka.
Avesh Khan: Forget that KS Bharat sixer, he’s a bowler worth investing in. Bowls at a sharp pace, gets good bounce, delivers yorkers at will and has the knack of producing wicket-taking deliveries with the new ball. The second-highest wicket taker in this year’s IPL, with 24 wickets.
Yuzvendra Chahal: To say the selectors messed up by not picking him will be kind to them. Had a good time Down Under in 2018, thanks to the big grounds. Has a large heart and the right temperament to buy wickets, a must for a spinner in T20.