India last lifted the T20 World Cup back in 2007, but they come in as favourites to lift the trophy this year. Only eight out of the 15-player squad for India featured in the 2022 T20 World Cup, with some big names excluded by the selectors – it speaks volumes towards the talent possessed. India find themselves in Group A alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and USA.

They have a nice blend of experience and youth, and most players will be in the right frame of mind for T20 cricket, following the recent conclusion of IPL 2024. The World Cup could not have come at a better time for Virat Kohli, as he holds the Orange Cap from the IPL having accumulated the most runs. His stats were phenomenal – averaging 61.8 runs at a 155 strike rate over the course of 15 innings.

Captain Rohit Sharma will once again lean on Jasprit Bumrah, who was a standout bowler in a faltering Mumbai Indians team. He racked up 20 wickets in the IPL, with an economy of just 6.5 runs per over.

South Africa will battle in Group D with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Netherlands. Top spot will put the Proteas in Group 2 of the Super 8s stage, alongside the winner of Group B, and the second-placed sides from Group A and C.

South Africa have an incredibly potent spine, with the top order prowess of Quinton de Kock, middle order muscle of Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram and David Miller, and a frightening pace attack consisting of Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada.

The emerging talent of Ryan Rickelton was the top run-scorer at SA20, South Africa’s most high profile T20 league, with an average of 59 runs at a strike rate of 174. Tristan Stubbs is set for a big role too in the middle order, having impressed with Delhi Capitals in his debut IPL campaign.

This South Africa crop seems to prefer their T20 cricket, with the squad cherry-picked to excel in the shorter format. Despite retiring from Test cricket in 2022, and ODI’s in 2023, de Kock has participated in Abu Dhabi T10, Big Bash League, SA20 and IPL over the last year – so has plenty of fuel in the tank for the T20 World Cup.

West Indies were below par at the 2022 T20 World Cup, finishing bottom of a group with Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland. This time though, they have the advantage of contesting their group games on home territory with a real point to prove.

Skipper Rovman Powell has explosive batting power at his disposal – Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Powell himself all impressed at IPL 2024. Russell has a chance to mark his great form with an IPL trophy, as the Kolkata Knight Riders have a spot in the final secured.

The pace department is stacked with youthful talent and experienced campaigners, although Sunil Narine will be sorely missed with the lack of spin options. Shamar Joseph is a wildcard, having caught the eye of selectors during the Test series in Australia. His confidence should be sky-high as he gears up to make his debut T20 international appearance on the biggest stage.