March 28, 2024

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Team India in dire need of bowling all-rounder

Team India in dire need of bowling all-rounder

Team India

Does India’s second-string team truly lack the qualities to compete at the highest level? This is the question, which the fans will be asking themselves after Team India failed in their quest to maintain a clean slate in the short tour of Zimbabwe. The Indian cricket team under Ajinkya Rahane showed glimpses of greatness, but the players surely could have done more.

The ODI series was a whitewash in favour of India, but they suffered a 10-run defeat to Zimbabwe in the second and final T20 match at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. This loss is significant because it has given the Indian selectors the reason to believe that not many from this inexperienced team who are ready for the World T20 Champions next year in India.

It’s clear that the selectors will have to fall back on the specialists, who are the core members of the ODI team. It doesn’t mean that a 2-0 verdict in the T20 series against Zimbabwe would have opened up the opportunity for the first-time performers.

But at least, it would have forced the selectors to contemplate their names. India, who had won the ODI series 3-0, may have ended the T20 series in a 1-1 stalemate, but some of the youngsters will surely make it big when their next opportunity will knock at the door again.

Similar to what had happened in a few of the ODI matches against Zimbabwe, India were looking down the barrel at 69 for five in nine overs while chasing 146 for a win. Both Stuart Binny (24) and debutant Sanju Samson (19) did play their roles, but they fell short.

With the ball, the Indian pacers were a revelation. The likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohit Sharma used the helpful condition smartly. Even comeback man Harbhajan Singh performed to his potential while Axar Patel was also quite effective with his left-arm spin.

What Team India has genuinely lacked not only in the recently concluded Zimbabwe series, but also in the 2015 World Cup, is the presence of good batsmen lower down the order. In the past whenever India have done well in big tournaments, their biggest strength has been the batsmen who could bowl and bowlers who could bat.

Starting from the 1983 World Cup win under Kapil Dev to MS Dhoni’s two World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011, all of them were possible due to the all-round skills of the team. If India team aspires to do well in World T20 next year at home, it’s time to get those bowlers who can also bat lower down the order.

Fortunately, we already have batsmen like Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who can deliver effective spell. But now it’s time to hunt those who are good bowlers and useful batsmen too!

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