Which prominent players will be left off the starting XIs for each country at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022?

With the Big Time approaching, we evaluate each ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad and select the most likely starting lineup for the qualified teams:

Afghanistan

The essential players are still in place for Afghanistan, with Rashid Khan serving as the attack’s focal point and Mohammad Nabi leading the team.

However, there have been some big changes over the previous 12 months, with the selectors moving on from players like Mohammad Shahzad and Hamid Hassan. The objective will be to strike a balance between a spin-specialist team and seamer-friendly conditions.

Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Naveen ul Haq, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik are the predicted XI.

Read More: Bhuvneshwar could struggle in Australian conditions, says Wasim Akram

Australia

Will Steve Smith be a starter for Australia? Tim David’s introduction in the lower middle order would imply otherwise, especially as Marcus Stoinis is probably safe due to his capacity to contribute overs with the ball.

Without the captain’s role, Aaron Finch’s troubling form would make him vulnerable at the top of the order; but, if Finch’s run drought persists, a significant choice may need to be made.

Predicted XI: Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Aaron Finch (c).

Bangladesh

Since the T20 World Cup last year, Bangladesh has undergone a number of changes, making them a new and experimental team.

Shakib Al Hasan, who is quite experienced, is still in charge, and in Australian circumstances, he will be counting on a spirited set of quicks, including Taskin Ahmed Hasan and Shoriful Islam, to spring some shocks in Group 2.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed Hasan, Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam make up the projected starting XI.

Read More: “Batters can guide India to World Cup T20 semi-finals”

England

Liam Livingstone’s delayed return to fitness before the tournament’s start might lead England to select an additional bowler during the Super 12 stage, but don’t be surprised if they decide to add Livingstone to the top six as the competition goes on.

As the fifth front-line bowler, Chris Woakes, David Willey, and Chris Jordan are closely matched.

Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, and Reece Topley make up the predicted starting XI.

India

Dinesh Karthik’s return as a finisher, Hardik Pandya’s better health, and Suryakumar Yadav’s exceptional form give India power to burn in their middle order even if Rishabh Pant isn’t included, which is possible.

But Jasprit Bumrah’s absence is a serious setback. The remaining bowlers are in a tight race, and the final decision will probably depend on the day’s playing conditions.

Predicted XI: Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wk)

New Zealand

With Finn Allen moving up to the top of the order and Lockie Ferguson making a comeback to the international stage, New Zealand must make some important selections.

In order to accommodate the pace of both Adam Milne and Ferguson, a well-known player—possibly Tim Southee—must move aside.

Martin Guptill: And where does he fit in? Possibly at three or five? But if the selection process leading up to the event is any indication, the veteran will have to make do with carrying beverages.

Kane Williamson (captain), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, and Trent Boult make up the predicted starting XI.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s main concern about Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fitness is that he might be given a break in the Super 12 stage against weaker opponents. If Shaheen enters the competition gradually, there won’t be a lack of pace because Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will also be in the attack.

In the months leading up to the event, the middle order showed promise, which should reassure an opening pair on whom so much depends.

Shan Masood, Mohammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi make up the predicted starting XI.

South Africa

South African cricket and significant selection decisions go hand in hand, and this tournament is no exception.

The team’s captain, Temba Bavuma, has been playing poorly lately, which has put a lot of pressure on him to perform better.

In the middle order, Rassie van der Dussen’s injury will be felt, but the Proteas have a possible tournament standout in big-hitting youngster Tristan Stubbs.

Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Rillee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi are the predicted starting XI.