Suryakumar Yadav's India Rated Better Than MS Dhoni's World T20 Champions: 'Combination Is Excellent'

T20 cricket has evolved drastically since the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007 when India, led by a new captain, MS Dhoni, sprang a surprise by becoming the champions. It was a time when scores in the regions of 160-170 were defendable, but today, even 250-plus targets are considered chaseable. A combination of youngsters focusing on polishing big-hitting skills and favourable batting conditions has contributed to the trend.

Once a novelty, 200-plus totals have become a norm, unless the conditions are tricky.

The upcoming T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, could see batters calling the shots. And legendary India opener Virender Sehwag feels that defending champions India have the right combination to create history.

“Our Indian

team is very strong and is performing exceptionally well under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav. Recently, we defeated New Zealand 4–1,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz. “There are several young players along with some experienced ones. As they say, a combination of youth and experience delivers the best results.”

He singled out rising batting star Abhishek Sharma’s role as crucial to India gaining the upper hand against their opponents.

“I think the way Abhishek Sharma provides starts – scoring at a strike rate of 200 – gives India a solid platform, similar to the role I used to play,” Sehwag said. “Recently, Ishan Kishan scored a whirlwind century, which I enjoyed a lot. Varun Chakaravarthy is a very accurate bowler, and it will be difficult to hit big shots against him.”

He also predicted finishers Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh to step up when needed.

“Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube can surprise opponents in the lower order whenever the openers fail and the responsibility shifts to the middle order,” Sehwag said.

No team has ever won the T20 World Cup as host, but Sehwag feels that just like India created history by becoming the first to win an ODI World Cup at home, Suryakumar Yadav’s men have the quality to emulate the feat in the shortest format.

He also went on to brand the current T20I team better than the one led by Dhoni that won the 2007 World T20 in South Africa.

“Just like we won the World Cup in 2011, we will win the T20 World Cup at home this time. In my opinion, this team is even better than the one that won the 2007 T20 World Cup. The combination is excellent. They have quality spinners, strong all-rounders, and very good fast bowlers. Our top five or six batters are outstanding,” he said.

“I just hope it’s our day when we play the knockouts. The players should play freely, without pressure. Win or lose, we are with them,” he added.

Sehwag also advised Team India stars to stay away from any form of media during the duration of the World Cup that starts from February 7.

“My message to the Indian team is to avoid all the noise – whether from the media or social media. Stop reading newspapers or watching TV. If possible, stay away from social media during the World Cup. This will help you remain focused, stay in your own space, and perform better,” he said.