The debate surrounding India's playing XI for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia has become serious now that the five-match home series against South Africa is over. India shared the trophy with South Africa after the series was tied 2-2 and the fifth and deciding T20I in Bengaluru was washed out.

Veterans and experts have begun to weigh in, with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan being one of the first to name his India XI for the mega ICC event in Australia in October-November this year.

Former cricketers have been debating whether reputed and big names should be picked over young and aggressive Ishan Kishan at the top of the order. Debates have also started regarding who will be the wicketkeeper, what will be the bowling combination, and other such questions.

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Speaking on Star Sports, the former India all-rounder named KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli as his top-order line-up for Indian team. While Kohli's recent run with the bat in the shorter format has not been anything to write about, Pathan backed him to do well.

“In Australia, you need powerful starts because the ball swings and seams a lot. So you need a player who has a lot of experience. Kohli may not have performed well so far but in Australia, he has scored a lot of runs,” Pathan said.

Suryakumar Yadav was Irfan's fourth choice, followed by Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, and Ravindra Jadeja. One more spinner and three pacers make up his bowling lineup.

Here is Irfan Pathan's India XI for 2022 T20 World Cup:

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

(Star Sports inputs)