The announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup has stirred up intense debates across the cricketing world. While many fans were excited to see familiar faces return, a World Cup-winning former cricketer has openly criticized the selection, claiming that India’s current squad has “no chance of winning the T20 World Cup” if similar choices continue. Adding fuel to the fire, the veteran even pointed out three players he believes did not deserve a spot in the team.
The Harsh Criticism
The ex-World Cup winner (name withheld in some reports but widely circulated across cricketing circles) questioned the selectors’ decisions, arguing that team balance has been compromised. According to him, the squad reflects favoritism and reputation over performance.
In his words:
“If India goes into the T20 World Cup with this same squad, I don’t see them lifting the trophy. Some selections make no sense when you look at recent form and match impact.”
Three Undeserving Names Highlighted
The expert singled out three cricketers as “undeserving” picks, suggesting their inclusion could backfire in pressure situations:
- A Middle-Order Batter Struggling for Runs – Despite repeated failures in high-profile games, this player has been given another chance. Critics feel younger talents from the IPL should have been prioritized instead.
- An All-Rounder With Inconsistent Form – Once hailed as a match-winner, his fitness and lack of impactful performances have raised doubts. The veteran suggested his selection was more sentimental than practical.
- A Specialist Bowler Without Recent Spark – Known for his variations, this bowler hasn’t been able to defend totals or pick crucial wickets recently. Analysts argue that his reputation from past tournaments may have influenced the selectors more than his present stats.
Concerns Over Team Strategy
The criticism isn’t just about individuals but also the overall team strategy. According to the WC winner, India has been guilty of:
- Over-relying on senior players rather than grooming youngsters.
- Lack of clarity in the middle order, which often collapses under pressure.
- Weak death bowling options, a factor that has cost India crucial matches in recent ICC tournaments.
These concerns echo the sentiments of many fans who believe India has not yet found the right T20 template despite its deep talent pool.
Fans React on Social Media
Soon after the comments surfaced, cricket fans took to social media platforms to debate the squad. While some defended the players named, others agreed that recent IPL performers were overlooked in favor of experienced but inconsistent stars.
Memes, heated discussions, and long threads flooded Twitter and Instagram, with hashtags related to #AsiaCupSquad and #T20WorldCup trending for hours.
What This Means For India’s T20 WC Chances
The bigger worry for many is the impact this could have on India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. If selectors continue to back underperforming names, experts believe the team could once again falter in knockouts. On the other hand, if lessons from the Asia Cup are quickly learned, fresh talents might still find their way into the final World Cup squad.
Final Word
The blunt statement by a World Cup-winning veteran has put the spotlight back on Indian cricket’s selection process. Whether or not these three “undeserving” players prove their critics wrong in the Asia Cup remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the pressure on India to get their combination right before the T20 World Cup is higher than ever.
As fans eagerly wait for the Asia Cup action, the debate continues: Has India chosen the right men for the job, or will favoritism cost them another shot at glory?