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Former India cricketer and World Cup winner, Yuvraj Singh was recently appointed as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador. However, he has been a great of the game during his playing days, the 42-year-old has always gone out and spoken about the best possible India could do to end their trophy drought.
Recently, Singh opened up on Abhishek Sharma’s chances of making it in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, set to be played in June in USA and West Indies. Sharma, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of IPL 2024, is the second highest scorer for SunRisers Hyderabad. The young cricketer, who has closely worked with Yuvraj Singh, is yet to represent India in the World Cup.
“Abhishek is almost there but I don’t think he is ready for the World Cup right now,” the former Indian legend told Cricbuzz. “For the World Cup, we have to take an experienced side. Obviously, some guys have played for India. After the World Cup, he should be prepared to play for India. That is what he should focus on. Coming six months will be important for Abhishek,” he further added.
However, Yuvraj has been impressed with the young left-hander’s striking ability, but he feels that Sharma needs to deliver a couple of big scores to get to Team India. “His performance definitely is better. His strike rate has been phenomenal but big scores haven’t come. With this kind of strike rate, it’s important that you get big scores if you want to compete for a post to play for India. Great strike rates, yes, but there have to be a couple of big knocks to make sure that you are worthwhile to play for India,” he added.
Speaking of the Punjab batter, Abhishek Sharma has amassed 288 runs from eight innings, at the strike rate of 218.18 and an average of 36.00. In his eight outings, he has smashed 21 fours and 26 maximums.
There is no point picking him: Yuvraj Singh on snubbing Dinesh Karthik from T20 WC squad
The former Indian all-rounder also expressed his opinions on Dinesh Karthik’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. However, the stalwart expressed his admiration on DK’s performance with RCB in IPL 2024, but feels that he should be included in the Indian squad for marquee tournament, only on one condition.
The 42-year-old feels that if Karthik is assured of a place in India’s starting lineup, he should be there in the 15-member squad. “DK has been batting well, but the thing with DK is the last time (2022) they picked him in the T20 WC was when he didn’t get to play,” Singh said.
“If DK is not in your XI I don’t think there is any point in picking him. There is Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and both guys are in great form and obviously they are younger. I would like to see DK in the mix, but if he is not going to play then you would rather have someone who is younger and can make the difference,” the T20 World Cup winner added.