We could as well call this as one of the golden phases of Indian Cricket. The bench strength is enormous, and importantly, most of the rising stars are still in their teenage. In this article, we take a look at a strong balanced Indian T20 XI picking only one cricketer from each year of birth between 1990 and 2000.
Thanks to the U19 tournaments and the utilization of India A fixtures, Team India is starting to have a good cricketing system in place. Of course, IPL has played a big role in this, too. The trophies are still lacking, but India looks to be getting there.
Openers Of The XI Picking Only One Cricketer From Each Year Of Birth Between 1990 and 2000: Prithvi Shaw (1999) and KL Rahul (1992)
In this Indian T20 XI picking only one cricketer from each year of birth between 1990 and 2000, we have KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw as the openers. While KL Rahul belongs to the lower end of the spectrum, Prithvi is a teenager who is slowly climbing up the ranks. In fact, both these players are in contention to be India’s openers, at least in limited-overs cricket. Rahul, though, is experienced and is considered a captaincy material for Team India.
Middle-Order: Ishan Kishan (1998), Shreyas Iyer (1994), and Rishabh Pant (1997)
Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant will form the core of this middle-order. Ishan recent made his debut in ODI and T20I formats. In both his debut games, the wicket-keeper batsman was in top form. Team India needs players with an attacking mindset, and Ishan is one of them.
For a long, Shreyas Iyer has been considered the future of the Indian middle-order. On his part, the Mumbaikar is responding well with frequent contributions. It would not be a surprise if he soon opens the door in Tests as well.
He was written off a few months ago, but Pant happens to be an all-format cricketer for Team India right now. His form has been exceptional and was responsible for some famous wins, including the one at the Gabba in 2021.
All-Rounders Of The XI Picking Only One Cricketer From Each Year Of Birth Between 1990 and 2000: Deepak Hooda (1995) and Krunal Pandya (1991)
We do not have too many mainstream players who were born in 1995. Of the options, Deepak Hooda seemed the best and the most fitting to this XI. A couple of years ago, many felt Hooda would break into the Indian Team. However, it has not happened so far.
Lack of options and his decent contribution to the squad’s balance makes Krunal Pandya a part of this XI. He and Deepak Hooda had a fall-out a few months ago, and it would be a surprise if this combination materializes in future.
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi (2000), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1990), Jasprit Bumrah (1993) and Avesh Khan (1996)
We have four bowlers in this unique XI, and despite the criterion obstacles, the attack looks solid and oozes variety. While Ravi Bishnoi will be the youngest in this squad, Bhuvi will be the oldest. Jasprit Bumrah and Avesh Khan may pair up in the future for Team India. Bishnoi is a young leggie, and many see him as India’s future in the spin department. Bumrah and Bhuvi are the current leaders of the Indian pace attack, while Avesh is gaining ground with a good show in the first phase of IPL 2021.
