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NEW DELHI: A seemingly unstoppable force in the shortest format, the current Indian side carries an aura of invincibility, quite unlike the team that ended the country’s long ICC title drought in Barbados 19 months ago.

Rohit Sharma, who captained that T20 World Cup-winning side, led from the front with fearless intent at the top as India finally cracked a winning T20 formula after years of cautious approaches.

It’s fair to say the present group has taken that template forward and raised the bar. At the moment, it feels like only a rare off day could stop India from lifting the trophy at home.

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Rohit’s blueprint, team’s growth

“There are a few changes (to the side) but this team has gone to the next level since Rohit inspired his team to that trophy couple of years ago. The way they played against New Zealand recently was something special.

“Unless they have one bad day, which can happen in this format, India should be able to win the trophy again,” former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta told PTI.

Eight members of the current Suryakumar Yadav-led squad were part of the title-winning campaign in the Caribbean.

There is no Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli now, but such is India’s depth that the transition away from superstars has been seamless, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya continuing to act as the glue that binds the unit.

Fresh faces, same dominance

Since that dramatic come-from-behind win over South Africa in the 2024 final, India have added Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy, both currently topping the ICC batting and bowling rankings.

Tilak Varma has further strengthened the group after coming of age during last year’s Asia Cup. Shivam Dube, part of the 2024 squad, is now delivering consistently with both bat and ball.

Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh form the frontline pace attack, while Harshit Rana remains a reliable back-up option after recent impactful performances.

Ishan Kishan’s inclusion as a reserve wicketkeeper-batter raised eyebrows, but he is set to start the opener against USA following a memorable comeback series against New Zealand.

Selection calls and tactical balance

India’s dominance over New Zealand served as a warning to rivals, achieved despite Sanju Samson’s struggles at the top alongside the explosive Abhishek Sharma.

To put India’s superiority in context, they have registered the most 200-plus totals (20) since October 2023 and enter the tournament as the leading six-hitting side, striking a six every 10.99 balls.

Much of that credit belongs to Abhishek, whose strike rate of 194.74 has pushed the boundaries of modern T20 batting.

Apart from the Sanju Samson question, the team management has little to worry about with less than a week to go before the opening game at the Wankhede. Kuldeep Yadav could find it tough to break into the XI if both Bumrah and Arshdeep play.

“It is sad that Sanju is not in form. And it also kind of makes things a little tricky for the Indian side. But it was good to see Tilak playing that side game yesterday.

“But the next challenge is how serious are you looking at a left-right combination? Yeah. And if Surya bats at four, then you're looking at top three left-handers (Abhishek, Kishan, Tilak), which I personally think it's fine,” Dasgupta said.

India remain the team to beat, though Dasgupta believes sterner tests await in the latter stages when tired pitches could make batting tougher.

There may be no Kohli to anchor an innings if required, but players like Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have the ability to adjust their tempo based on conditions.

“Virat played a very, very important role in the last World Cup because of pitches that he played on. So if the pitch is doing something and you have the power-hitters like you do, it is very, very difficult for them to adapt. Because that is the only way they play.

“But I still think you need somebody who can play that holding role. Not necessarily that you have to play that role in every game.

“When I look at Tilak and Surya, India have got in this side these two guys who can change their game based on conditions,” added Dasgupta.

(With PTI Inputs)