“Let’s not forget that a lot of thought would have gone into it. There must have been enough rationale and thinking behind those additions. Whatever you get to see on the West Indies pitches these days is more conducive to spinners,” Raman told PTI.
He also highlighted the spinners’ success in the IPL as a significant influence on the selectors’ decision. “The spinners have done well in the IPL on good hard-flat tracks in India. This has prompted the selectors to think that you are better off with spinners rather than fast bowlers and then ask them to take the pace off,” Raman explained.
In the IPL, Chahal took 18 wickets from 15 matches with an economy of 9.41, Kuldeep claimed 16 wickets with an economy of 8.65, Axar took 11 wickets at 7.65, and Jadeja secured 8 wickets at 7.85.
India, aiming to end a 17-year drought since their last T20 World Cup victory in 2007, have assembled a squad brimming with talent. Raman is optimistic about their chances.
“It has a very good chance. We have a lot of brilliant cricketers who can be match-winners on their days,” he said. “T20 is such a format where you need a bit of luck as well, especially in the knockouts, and that’s where experience also counts, which we have aplenty in the side.”
Despite concerns over the narrow gap between the IPL and the T20 World Cup, Raman believes it will not affect the players. “Today’s cricketers are fit enough and more or less used to playing non-stop. So, they will manage,” he noted.
India’s campaign begins on Wednesday against Ireland in New York at the Nassau County Stadium. Raman supports the idea of expanding cricket to new destinations.
“I think that is something that the ICC will consider. It will not be overlooked by them,” he said. “They will look at as many cost-effective measures and innovations to get more teams into the fold and venues under their bracket.”
India’s first game is eagerly anticipated, with fans hoping the team’s strategic choices and talent will lead them to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
