ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Can Rohit Sharma’s India win the World Cup?

An experienced India side will look to leave last year’s heartache behind as they plot their way to T20 World Cup glory.

Captain: Rohit Sharma
Fixtures: Ireland (June 5), Pakistan (June 9), United States (June 12), Canada (June 15)
Best finish at T20 World Cup: Champions (2007)

India’s heartache of losing the 50-over Cricket World Cup final on home soil and the experience of a “balanced side” could inspire them to T20 World Cup glory in the United States and West Indies, according to Cheteshwar Pujara.

The 36-year-old, who has played 103 Tests and five one-day internationals for India, will have high hopes pinned on the men in blue when they begin their campaign against Ireland on June 5.

“We [India] have enough balance in the team but it won’t be easy because we will be playing in the US and West Indies where pitches are slightly different,” Pujara told Al Jazeera in London.

“The grounds and their sizes are different to what we play in India, but I hope that the guys are ready for that [challenge].”

Pujara believes India have plenty of experience in their ranks, with captain Rohit Sharma having played in all eight editions of the T20 World Cup so far.

“India have the right balance of experience and youth that is needed in the shorter format [of cricket].”

India stormed into the final of last year’s 50-over World Cup with 10 straight wins, only to be handed a shocking loss by Australia.

They will aim for another final but first will be the business of the tournament’s marquee clash against neighbours Pakistan on June 9.

The Indian community on the North American East Coast will have two more opportunities to see their team when they play USA and Canada as well.

Pujara, who has played the shortest version of the game with