AI believes the volatile nature of T20 could be a big threat to India’s World Cup defending campaign

India's men's national cricket team is currently dominating, having won three T20I matches against New Zealand. The results show the Men in Blue in great rhythm, and they are expected to lift the upcoming T20 World Cup again, given they won the last edition and are the defending champions of the tournament.

To be honest, T20I is one format where India has become truly dominant, winning series, ACC, and ICC tournaments as per its own will. However, the format’s volatile nature means nothing is permanent, and therefore, we turned to AI and asked about India’s chances of defending its titles – here’s what AI predicted.

Batting depth and intent

The AI started by analysing India’s batting order, which comprises some of the best talents in the business, such as Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Rinku Singh.

(Credit- IPL.com)

From top to middle-lower order, the line-up has the power to play big innings in a limited number of balls. The Indian batting line-up possesses the depth and intent to easily surpass 200 runs or chase a target of approximately 180.

(Credit- Indian Express)

The only problematic link in India’s batting line-up is Sanju Samson, who hasn’t clicked in the series versus New Zealand. Therefore, if Samson uses too many deliveries without putting runs on the board, other batters in the line-up will be under pressure.

A night without Bumrah

(Credit- NDTV)

Moving on to the bowling department, AI acknowledges the elitism of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh with the new ball and even death overs. Not to forget, in the subcontinent, spin plays a crucial role, and India has the spinning quartet Varun, Kuldeep, Axar, and Washington. However, AI is worried about Bumrah—what if a night goes by without Bumrah’s brilliance, plus the addition of Harshit Rana, who has proven himself on many occasions but is going into the tournament with merely 10 T20I games?

Recent T20I performances

AI also took into account India’s performances in the T20I format, ranging from the victory against New Zealand to last year’s Asia Cup victory, which included slamming PAK on three different occasions in less than two weeks. Not to forget, the series victories against Australia and South Africa were also noteworthy achievements which helped India prepare for the upcoming World Cup.