Did India pick too many spinners in the T20 World Cup squad? Ravi Shastri feels New York pitch conditions needed extra pace option

India kick-started their 2024 ICC T20 World Cup against the Irish at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 5. The squad for the same was announced by the BCCI back in May. 

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India picked up four spinners in the squad in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav considering the turning conditions in the USA and the West Indies. But after inspecting the Nassau County pitch ahead of the game, former coach Ravi Shastri had a different opinion on the inclusion of four spinners. 

READ MORE: India vs Ireland toss incident: What happened?

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Ravi Shastri’s opinion on the inclusion of four spinners in the squad 

According to the former Indian cricketer turned commentator, India picked more spinners than needed for the T20 World Cup and could have rather included a fast bowler considering the immense help that the pitch has provided to fast bowlers. 

India picked 4 spinners too many in the squad, but if today's selectors had a chance after seeing this pitch to pick the team they would add an extra fast bowler in that unit.

India bowled out the Irish at a mere score of 96 with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh shining with the ball for the Indians. 

India will be playing the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan next. The mammoth clash is scheduled to be played at the same venue, making the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf the bowlers to watch out for when the Indian batters take the crease. 

READ MORE: Rohit needs to change his batting approach at T20 World Cup: Chopra

India’s schedule for the World Cup