ICC World T20: Can India repeat 2007

T20 format is one such thing from which India has gained the most but achieved a little. India was the nation which as in strict opposition of the T20 format when it was in initial stages but then came 2007 World T20 where a young Indian side scripted history by winning the inaugural edition of the tournament. But since then India’s performance in the format has been dismal to say the least. The side has failed to reach to the last four in the subsequent three editions of T20 World Cup in spite of the fact that India’s Domestic T20 League i.e. Indian Premier League us the most competitive T20 tournament. The side has almost remained the same in all four editions barring a few names here and there but still the performance delivered in the first edition was never emulated. The 2014 edition would be played on the soil of Bangladesh. Now it was believed that India would have an upper hand going into the tournament as they would have played there in the Asia Cup but in an unexpected turn of events the Indian side crashed out of the tournament after losing a close match to Pakistan. The tournament was also a test for checking the captaincy skills of waiting in line captain Virat Kohli who failed to deliver and made errors in decision at crucial moments. It has also brought a pause to the ongoing debate that Kohli should be handed the charge of team as clearly he is not ready for the job. The Asia Cup showed that India is lacking finishers who can seal the game or provide that final thrust in the last 10 overs. However things in T20 World Cup may change because the likes of Dhoni, Raina and Yuvraj Singh would be back in the side. Dhoni’s captaincy would be the most desired addition for the squad. Also he brings along with him the destructive batting ability to tear apart any bowling line-up which has not been unleashed for a long time and is overdue. The selectors have also shown faith on Yuvraj who is undoubtedly most valuable player for India in T20’s. But somehow I feel that Suresh Raina would have a great part to play in this tournament as it’s a make or break situation for him to regain his position in the squad. He loves the format and must be itching to do what he does so well for CSK. It would be interesting to see if Dhoni promotes him to 3rd in the batting order. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Dhawan are run machines in this format and recent final over blitz’s by Jadeja are a big positive for the side. India will again bank on its batting to make an impact in the tournament and certainly it is capable of delivering the goods. The bowling is something which will be an area of concern as it looks relatively inexperienced with only Bhuwaneshwar Kumar having some experience among the four bowlers Shami, Varun Aaron and Mohit Sharma apart from him. India will face a stiff competition from Australia and South Africa who look to be the contenders for the title. It would be imperative for Indian side to stick to a gameplan and keep faith in their capability and seeing the side its not very difficult for them.