Keywords: India cricket team, T20 World Cup, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Ireland, Pakistan, USA, Canada, cricket, tournament preview
India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, are gearing up for the ICC T20 World Cup with a strong sense of determination and balance, according to Cheteshwar Pujara. The Indian team, having experienced the heartache of losing the 50-over Cricket World Cup final, is aiming to turn that into inspiration for T20 World Cup glory in the United States and West Indies.
India’s campaign kicks off on June 5 against Ireland, followed by a marquee clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9. The team will also face the United States on June 12 and Canada on June 15, providing ample opportunities for the Indian community on the North American East Coast to support their team.
Pujara, speaking to Al Jazeera in London, emphasized the challenges of playing in different conditions in the US and West Indies compared to India. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt, highlighting the blend of experience and youth led by Rohit Sharma, who has participated in all eight editions of the T20 World Cup.
“We [India] have enough balance in the team but it won’t be easy because we will be playing in the US and West Indies where pitches are slightly different,” said Pujara. “The grounds and their sizes are different to what we play in India, but I hope that the guys are ready for that [challenge].”
India’s recent form, storming into the final of the 50-over World Cup with 10 consecutive wins before a shock defeat to Australia, underscores their potential in major tournaments. With a balanced squad and Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India is poised for another strong campaign in the T20 format.
As excitement builds for the T20 World Cup, fans can relive the history of India-Pakistan classics and explore the tournament’s format, stadiums, and squads as they eagerly await the start of the competition.
