ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 – Exclusive Interview with India Legend Ravi Shastri - Predictions, Picks & Tips

We recently caught up with India cricket legend Ravi Shastri in an interview with our partners Stake.com and found out what he had to say and his picks for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

T20 World Cup Picks & Predictions

When asked who he thought would be in the final four, Shastri unsurprisingly backed India, England, and Australia. “The T20 World Cup will likely go to one of these three teams since they are the strongest on paper. They also have the luxury of playing their full-strength side more often than the other international sides competing in this tournament.

England are the holders of the ICC T20 World Cup and have several batters capable of winning games on their own. India is a team that ticks every box, while Australia is simply Australia. They win major cricketing tournaments even when it appears they are not the favourites.”

World Cup 2024 Dark Horses

Shastri has South Africa down as a potential dark horse. “They are still chasing their first major international trophy but have some heavy hitters and potential match-winners with the ball.”

He also backs the West Indies to surprise a few people. “The West Indies, known for their unpredictable and exciting style of play, are unlikely to win the cricket T20 World Cup, but we can also see Shastri's logic in backing them as dark horses. They have a team full of athletes, and if everything clicks, they can win games of cricket. They have won this tournament on two occasions before, and it's the one discipline of cricket the West Indies are still capable of competing in on a consistent basis.”

Views on India's World Cup T20 Chances

When the Indian team steps onto the cricket field, they carry their hopes, dreams, and the weight of a nation's expectations. Their performance at the 50-over World Cup was nothing short of remarkable. They won every game until the final, when a resilient Australian side bested them.

The IPL demonstrates that India's talent pool is monstrous, so we thought we would ask Shastri about some decisions he would make if he were still in charge of this Indian team.

Firstly, we asked him if he was concerned about Shivam Dube's dip in form since the T20 WC squad was announced.

"Not really, because conditions and surroundings in franchise tournaments compared to World Cup events are much different, and it becomes all about the player's rhythm. Shivam Dube is in a good rhythm and mind space, so he should be able to perform well."

There will always be some fine Indian batters who do not make the starting XI, such is the level of talent available. With this in mind, we thought it would be fun for him to compare Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. If Shastri could pick only one of these to play, who would it be and why?

"It will depend greatly on the Indian team's mindset, the conditions, and decision to stick with the left and right-hand combinations in their middle order. Both players are match winners, so that will be the captain's call in the end".

Virat Kohli is back to his very best after an incredible season with RCB, and Indian cricket fans are pondering where the great should bat in this Indian side. We asked Shastri if the Indian management might consider opening the batting with the legend.

"I think India needs a player of his quality and experience to come in at 3, considering Yashasvi and Rohit Sharma will be opening the batting. So, I don't see India changing their combinations too much".

How to Watch T20 World Cup Online on Stake

We know the process: First, you will scan the T20 World Cup 2024 odds right here on Stake sportsbook .. Are you one of those people who like to bet on a long shot? If so, check out the odds for Sri Lanka winning.

After that, you will want to watch all the action unfold live and free on our platform. Shastri told us in our interview that he is interested in watching more than just the big teams. The USA will be playing, and he is fascinated to see their capabilities. The great man will have the pleasure of being at the tournament, but we can bring you the next best thing with our streaming service.

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