‘We don't have games…’ Parthiv Patel’s big warning for India ahead of T20 World Cup

With the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played next year, the Indian cricket team have shifted their focus to the shortest format of the game. India recently defeated Australia in a T20I series. India’s tour of South Africa will start with a T20I series as well. Although, big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will not take part in the T20I series against South Africa. Former cricketer Parthiv Patel feels that the Indian team management may find it hard to get the perfect combination for the T20 World Cup.

“India’s biggest challenge to me has always been finding that right combination, especially in the T20 format. And we don’t have games. Now we are talking about just three Afghanistan games if at all Virat or Rohit or Bumrah play in that. So I think it is something which India will have to take into account,” said Parthiv on Cricbuzz.

“Or else, they will have to go with whoever does well in the IPL. But then you will have to announce the team about halfway through the IPL as well. So it is a challenge. I am sure that before announcing the team they must have thought of who is in line for the World Cup and whether we want to get them for the Afghanistan series. It is a tricky situation,” the ex-India wicketkeeper added.

Team India’s performance at the T20 World Cup has not been quite impressive in recent years. India claimed their solitary T20 World Cup title in the maiden edition of the tournament back in 2007 in South Africa. Since then, the Men in Blue have managed to reach the final stage at the T20 World Cup just once.

India also had to deal with another heartbreaking outing at the recently concluded World Cup 2023, held on home soil. Having won 10 matches back-to-back, the Rohit Sharma-led side reached the final. In the final, India were outplayed by Australia.

Following the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup, Team India featured in a five-match T20I series against Australia. Next, India will be up against South Africa in a three-match T20I series scheduled to start from Sunday, 10 December.

After their tour of South Africa, the Indian cricket team will be up against Afghanistan in a T20I series. The three-match series against Afghanistan will be India’s last T20I assignment ahead of next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).