India head into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with high hopes of ending their 15-year drought and claiming their second title thanks to a side packed with talent with both bat and ball. They’ll be looking to reach the semi-finals for the fourth time at their eighth appearance at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup before powering on to victory in Australia. There is only ever one aim for India in World Cups, to win, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is no different.
Failure to qualify for the semi-finals at the 2021 edition, including a ten-wicket defeat to rivals Pakistan, still stings and serves as motivation to go at least one better this time around – not that any more will be needed.
They face Bangladesh, South Africa, and Pakistan in Group 2 of the Super 12, alongside Netherlands and the final qualifier from the First Round.
Much will likely be decided by the opening match, where India play Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 23 October.
A win there would at once banish the demons of 12 months ago and produce plenty of momentum for Rohit Sharma’s men.
Should they get in their stride, they will be a formidable force for any team as they look to clinch their first title since the inaugural edition in 2007. T20 World Cup History; India’s T20 World Cup history has been one of frustration since claiming the first-ever title in 2007. Irfan Pathan was the hero 15 years ago, as he took three for 16 as India edged Pakistan by five runs in Johannesburg.—INP
