T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya Among First Batch Of Players To Depart For USA On May 24 – Report

New Delhi: The countdown for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has already begun with the marquee event scheduled to start on June 1 in the USA and West Indies. Champions in the inaugural edition in 2007, the Indian team will be travelling in two batches, according to reports. While the first batch consists of the players who aren’t a part of the IPL 2024 playoffs, the second batch of players will be departing shortly after the commencement of the Indian Premier League on May 26.

Based on a PTI report, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah (all Mumbai Indians), Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings) and others along with the backroom staff, will be in the first batch who will depart on May 24 to the USA. Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings have already been eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoffs race.

With Gujarat Titans languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table, captain Shubman Gill, who is among the India reserves, is also likely to board the flight in the first batch. One more loss would throw the 2022 champions out of the top four race.

The second batch of players will include players from table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and the other two teams who make it to the final four after league stage. Both KKR and Rajasthan Royals have almost qualified for the playoffs. Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are fighting for the final two spots.

India will play all their group games in the United States of America. Put in Group A, India have been put alongside Pakistan, co-hosts USA, Ireland and Canada. India will play three games at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York including the marquee game against Pakistan on June 9. The Men in Blue’s other two games at this venue are on June 5 (vs Ireland) and on June 12 (vs USA).

India’s last group game against Ireland will be played on June 15 at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida. The two top teams will advance to the Super 8 stage. Meanwhile, since their 2007 triumph, India haven’t been able win the T20 World Cup despite coming close thrice. India finished runners-up in 2014 while exiting in the semifinals in 2016 and 2022.