World T20 the centre of focus as teams look to find perfect combination
Are the T20Is more important than the ODIs? “Absolutely,” Ravi Shastri, Indian team director, said at the pre-match conference in Adelaide on Monday (January 25). And there would be little doubt it would be otherwise for any side around the world as they prepare themselves for the ICC World T20 to take place in India in March-April 2016.
India, as hosts, have a lot riding on them and, unlike in 2007 when a wave of new blood helped them achieve the improbable and win the inaugural tournament, have banked on experience to help them reclaim the throne. Yuvraj Singh, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina join the squad in Australia – between them they have 1171 games for India, and bring in an ocean of experience, and in different departments.
For Australia, the World T20 remains the one major tournament they haven’t won thus far, with the final in 2010 against England their best showing. As always, they have the side capable of being the best, but they will still hope to use the upcoming series to fine-tune and get the starting XI in shape. They’ve brought in exciting prospects such as Travis Head and Chris Lynn, while Shaun Tait’s blistering pace, they will hope, will provide them with the X-factor needed to win the multi-team event in India.