The International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup is to be held in Australia in October and November 2022. Team India are expected to enter the tournaments as one of the favourites to win their second title after their inaugural win in 2007.

India have an abundance of riches in their hands when it comes to talent, and it can be difficult for the coach Rahul Dravid to finalise the squad and batting order. With 10 more T20 International matches to be played before the tournament starts, things could change. However, taking into consideration the past records, current form and experience, the batting order for Team India could as well be as follows:

KL Rahul

Having played 52 innings in T20 international matches since 2016, scoring 1,831 runs at an average of 40.69, KL Rahul is a big shout to open the innings for India down under. His flexibility in the lineup could also mean he could play as an anchor lower down the order, allowing Ishan Kishan to open a quick-fire round.

Rohit Sharma

Five-time Indian T20 League-winning captain Rohit Sharma is expected to lead India in the tournament. His record speaks for itself, having scored 3,313 runs at an average of 32.5. His ability to hold one end and pace his innings according to the need of the hour will be key for India in crucial situations.

Virat Kohli

Former captain of the Indian team, Kohli has been a debatable choice. However, he brings in the vast experience of 89 international innings having scored 3,296 runs at an average of 51.5. His record in chasing down games speaks for itself and if he can find some of his old form until October, he will be difficult to keep out.

Ishan Kishan

The young left-handed batsman provides much-needed left-right variation in the batting order along with Rishabh Pant. If required, his attacking tendencies can be utilised in big chases as an opener. He is coming off a decent Indian T20 League season with 418 runs from 14 matches at an average of 32.15. His performance in the India vs South Africa T20Is was also phenomenal, scoring 206 runs in 5 games.

Rishabh Pant

Another left-handed attacking batter, Pant will also be shouldering the wicket-keeping responsibilities for the team. His role as a slog hitter would mean the middle overs of spin can be targeted with him in the lineup. He scored 340 runs in 14 innings in the Indian T20 League in 2022, at an average of 34.61 and a strike rate of 147.97.

Hardik Pandya

Gujarat franchise’s title-winning captain has regained his form, confidence and bowling prowess. The all-rounder has been in top form, having scored 487 runs at an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 131.27 in the 2022 Indian T20 League. He also picked up eight wickets, at a decent economy of 7.28.

Dinesh Karthik

The veteran finisher and T20 specialist is a shoo-in for the role, due to his super form and resurgence in 2022. He scored 330 runs at an average of 55 with a strike rate of 183.33 in the Indian T20 League 2022, and followed it up with his maiden T20 International half-century versus South Africa. With such swashbuckling form and massive experience, DK is a sure shot to feature in Australia.

Featured photo: AFP / PAUL FAITH