India’s Twenty20 World Cup squad: Rahul Dravid instructed to “not compromise,” considering Khaleel Ahmed among his bowling options

Former batter Navjot Singh Sidhu has counseled head coach Rahul Dravid and selectors not to skimp on quality bowlers while choosing the team as the deadline for India’s T20 World Cup roster draws closer.

Sidhu believes that India, who last won an ICC event in 2013, would be disappointed with the tournament’s outcome if the selectors compromised on bowling and chose one additional batter. In response to a question, Sidhu suggested that Dravid and the selectors choose three spinners and an equal number of good fast bowlers.

Sidhu also disregarded star bowler Jasprit Bumrah in favor of the unlikely choice of Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer Khaleel Ahmed.

“I’ll give Rahul Dravid direct advice: have five bowlers that specialize in getting wickets if you want to win this tournament. That’s all. The compromise point is when a team’s morale crumbles. In Bishnoi, you have three spinners: Jadeja, Kuldeep, and yourself. If he is well, Mayank Yadav enters this side. Mohsin Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed ought to be the quick bowlers. remarked Sidhu on Star Sports.

The 60-year-old recommended that India make use of their resources since the Rohit Sharma-led team cannot win the World Cup by using additional batters.

“India has many choices, so they shouldn’t settle for players who can bowl and bat a little bit. All of the captains who won the World Cup would have made superior bowling choices. That is the key. Even the eighth batter won’t be able to win you the World Cup if seven can’t,” he said.

Later this week, the BCCI selectors are expected to meet with captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid to discuss the World Cup team.

Squad submissions must be made before May 1. India takes on Ireland in their debut match of the competition on June 5 in the Americas.