New Delhi, Feb 5: Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead India at the World Twenty20 for the 6th edition in a row as he was today (February 5) chosen as the captain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) selection committee, headed by Sandeep Patil, announced the 15-man Indian squad for the ICC World Twenty20 2016 to be held in India from March 8 to April 3. The same team will also play in Asia Cup T20, which will be hosted by Bangladesh from February 24 to March 6.
Left-arm spinner Pawan Negi, who was recently included in the squad for Sri Lanka T20Is, has made it to both Asia Cup and World T20 squads. Paceman Mohammed Shami made a comeback. There is no place for Manish Pandey. The 34-year-old Dhoni was India’s skipper in all previous 5 editions (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014) of World T20 and again he will be at the helm this year, in what could be his last global tournament. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India won the inaugural World T20 in South Africa in 2007. In the last tournament in 2014, they lost to Sri Lanka in the final. Dhoni has so far led in 28 World T20 matches winning 18 (Lost 9, 1 No Result).
Playing in home conditions, India are favourites to lift the trophy. No team has won the title twice with all 5 editions seeing different champions. India have a chance to make history. India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Winner Group A (Q1 A) are in Group 2 (Super 10 Stage). The hosts open campaign against arch rivals Pakistan in Dharamsala on March 19. The tournament is divided into 3 stages. 16 teams are in the fray. The event will be hosted across 7 cities.
