Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his deputy Shubman Gill's indifferent form is a massive concern but the national selection committee is unlikely to make any shocking changes when it picks the 15-member squad for next year's T20 World Cup in Mumbai on Saturday.
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The architects of the win were Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, who blasted a 105-run opening stand that left Pakistan's bowlers gasping.
'We have to forget this game because we have one the day after tomorrow. We're looking forward to delivering a better performance there.'
After walking down the track earlier in the over to drive the bowler through covers, Gill shuffled again, only this time he used his supple wrists to nonchalantly flick the left-arm pacer over fine leg and deep into the stands.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav believes Hardik Pandya's return will restore the tactical depth and balance of India's T20 team.
Since he took over, head coach Gautam Gambhir has stressed on multi-skilled players across formats, especially those who can add batting depth.
India's spinners took six wickets in a stunning fight back to rout Australia by 48 runs in the fourth T20I on the Gold Coast on Thursday.
'Looking at their bowling line-up, they had a left-arm spinner and a leg spinner. I think Dube was perfect for that occasion in that 7-15 overs range.'
The three players will travel back home to India with the rest of the T20 World Cup winning squad.
It is believed that captain Sanju Samson has asked Rajasthan Royals to trade him or release him into the auction, signalling an end to his long association with the franchise.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Wednesday climbed five places to seventh in the ICC men's T20I rankings
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the centre of attention as Chennai Super Kings hits the nets in Chennai on Monday.
Despite over-utilising his craft, Bumrah chased shadows of his past self and returned with figures of 0/45.
Virat Kohli and Shivam Dubes shared a lighthearted moment, breaking into laughter over a joke during the practice session.
Axar Patel's 11-ball 21, laced with a four and a six in the last over off Marcus Stoinis, was instrumental in India's 48-run victory in the fourth T20I.
Shivam Dube says he relishes finishing the crunch games -- an art he learnt by following Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
After this snub, it looks difficult for Shubman Gill at this point to make a comeback to the T20 team with plenty of talented young players waiting in the wings.
India will be keen to get the job done against Bangladesh and seal their place in Sunday's final before considering resting their players.
When players select themselves, the selectors' job becomes delightfully simple. But did the Indian selectors have that luxury while picking the T20 World Cup squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup? asks K R Nayar.
'The way Abhishek and Shubman bat, it is like fire and ice.'
Patel stayed unbeaten on the crease in India's innings, scoring 21 off 11 balls to power his side to 167 and then took two wickets, removing Matthew Short and Josh Inglis.
With the T20 World Cup less than two months away, India would want their captain Suryakumar Yadav to rediscover his rhythm sooner rather than later.
As Farhan reached his fifty, lofting Axar Patel for a massive six over mid-wicket, he pulled off a gun-firing celebration with his bat, adding another layer of intrigue to an already electric rivalry.
'Easily the best innings of his career so far.'
Former India opener Aakash Chopra lauded Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Shivam Dube and said that the left-hand batter should be there in the Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 following his match-winning performance against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 fixture on Tuesday.
Abhishek Sharma was brutal and beautiful in equal measure during his scintillating 74 as India made a tricky chase look comfortable, winning an ill-tempered Super 4 contest of the Asia Cup against Pakistan by six wickets in Dubai on Sunday.
India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav was named the icon player for the Triumph Knights Mumbai NorthEast, while Shreyas Iyer went to SoBo Mumbai Falcons.
23-year-old Harshit Rana made his India debut as a concussion substitute, marking a historic first for the format.
'Pretty amazing. The whole tournament, we remained unbeaten, it feels pretty amazing to be in this position.'
The triumph at the Dubai International Stadium marked India's ninth Asia Cup title and showcased the team's grit, character, and ability to perform under pressure.
'Post the game, Rohit bhai said I played really well and that we'll chat to improve my game in upcoming games. Today I got the opportunity and executed what I had to in bowling'
Farhan made it clear that he wasn't concerned about public opinion, insisting the celebration was simply a spur-of-the-moment decision.
As India gear up for the T20 World Cup at home, the selectors have backed a squad built on impact, and versatility.
Images from the second T20 International between India and South Africa, at the PCA's New Chandigarh Stadium, Mullanpur.
Shivam Dube smashed a quickfire half-century to power India to a thumping six-wicket victory against Afghanistan in the first T20 International.
India's players celebrated with empty hands, making cricket history for all the wrong reasons.
That is the level of trust we have in each other.'
The lack of runs from captain Suryakumar Yadav and his deputy Shubman Gill remains a talking point.
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