Here’s how India’s T20 World Cup squad have performed in IPL so far

The is the last set of competitive matches that the players have before the T20 World Cup, which will start just two days after the IPL final. The performances in these matches will reveal a lot, if not everything, about their form, fitness and chances of making it to the playing XI. Here is how India’s fifteen have done in the limited opportunities they have got so far in the second phase of the tournament-

VIRAT KOHLI

Innings – 2, Runs – 58, Top score – 53

The half-century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showed he was in fine touch. But he opened batting in both the matches, which most likely won’t be the case at the World Cup.

KL RAHUL

Innings – 1, Runs – 49
In the only match Punjab Kings played last week, he scored 49 off just 33 balls. His strike rate of 148 was brilliant and India would need him to provide similar starts at the World Cup.

SURYAKUMAR YADAV

Innings – 2, Runs – 8
Despite his lack of international experience, India have high hopes from Suryakumar. He didn’t score much (5 and 3) in the two matches but it’s too early to say anything about his form.

RISHABH PANT

Innings – 2, Runs – 59
His knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a good indication of what he can do for his team. A mix of caution and aggression is what he will be needed to provide in the middle-order if the top-order fails.

ISHAN KISHAN

Innings – 2, Runs – 25
It may be a lack of match practice but he is not in the form that got him India debut and a berth in the World Cup squad. Hopefully, with more time in the middle, he will soon return to his top form.

HARDIK PANDYA

Innings – 0, Runs – 0, Wickets – 0
He has sat out both the MI matches so far triggering questions over his selection for the World Cup. He has been facing injury issues for some time now and lack of clear communication on his continued absence from the field is making people suspicious.

RAVINDRA JADEJA

Innings – 2, Runs – 26, Wickets – 0
He helped stabilize CSK innings in the first game to assure everyone that they can rely on his batting. But the same can’t be said about his bowling anymore.

RAHUL CHAHAR

Innings – 2, Wickets – 0
He has been preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal in the World Cup squad for his faster leg-spin. In the two games he played, Rahul managed to keep the opposition under check in one game while in the other game, he was expensive. He also didn’t get any wicket.

RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN
Innings – 2, Wickets – 1

He bowled well and managed to keep batters under control. He is also very experienced and has many tricks, but he is expected to influence matches. Can he?

AXAR PATEL
Innings – 2, Wickets – 3
He bowled well in both the games, taking 3 wickets for 48 runs. He hasn’t got many chances to bat this whole season, but he can be effective down the order.

VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY


Innings – 2, Wickets – 3

He started with a bang bowling a matchwinning spell of 3 for 13 and helped his side skittle RCB for 92. In the next game, he didn’t get any wickets, but he was economical.

BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR
Innings – 1, Wickets – 0
He bowled three overs for 21 runs against DC. He hasn’t played much cricket in the run up to the second phase of IPL. Besides bowling enough overs, he needs to ensure that he stays injury-free

MOHAMMED SHAMI

Innings – 1, Wickets – 3
He bowled well against RR, taking 3 for 21. He bowled well in England too. So, he is in good form. Like Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar, he too needs to keep an eye on his workload and ensure he stays injury-free.