Team India”s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 is likely to be announced by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel in the last week of April. Ahead of the announcement, former India fast bowler named his playing XI for the marquee event, snubbing the likes of prolific all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Interestingly, Prasad named Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shivam Dube ahead of Pandya due to his brilliant striking ability which has been visible in the ongoing season of the IPL. He also named World No.1 Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh in the playing XI due to his finishing ability along with the senior batter Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma.

“Shivam Dube for his striking ability against spinners, Surya for being the best T20 international batter and Rinku Singh for his exceptional finishing ability. It will be great if India finds a way to have these 3 in the 11 in the T20 WC. With Virat and Rohit , this will leave spot for just a keeper batsman. Interesting to see how it pans out,” Prasad tweeted.

His opinion left Twitter divided with a fan suggesting that Dube is incapable of facing any fast bowler with 135kmph pace and bounce.

“If any fast bowler ball 135 km speed with bounce on Shivam dubey, he can’t play, he hit only in IPL against spinners that’s it, mostly he got runs against spinners,” a fan said.

“Shreyas and KL should not be in the team,” a second fan opined.

“Perfect! No need to Include Hardik who is good for nothing! Sadly, Yashasvi will miss out. But Dube, Surya & Rinku are a must if we are serious about winning the cup!,” a third fan said.

Notably, Prasad included the T20 specialists Dube, Rinku and Surya in the squad who have impressed with their batting performances. Although it is all but certain that  Rinku and Surya will be a part of the playing XI for Team India in the T20 World Cup 2024; doubts over Dube”s inclusion still prevail.