World T20 2016: How a Few Bowlers Need to Pitch it Right

By: Supriya Rajpal

Bowling to the field is nothing but a virtue at whatever level you play this game. The most successful bowlers of the world have always got their bit by following this basic principle.

But a few of the Indian bowlers don’t seem to pitch it right all the time. In the virtual semifinal match against Australia in Mohali on Sunday, a few of the trusted lieutenants like Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin were wayward with their line and length in their first spell and that cost India dear.

Within the fifth over of the match, Australia were off to a flying start till experienced Ashish Nehra got his act together to send back Usman Khawaja to the pavilion.

This was the moment when Australia were looking good to make a score beyond 170. It was the tight spell of Ravindra Jadeja and part-timer Yuvraj Singh in the middle overs and some impressive death bowling by Nehra, which restricted Australia to a score of 160 for six in 20 stipulated overs.

On expected line, Nehra was against the pick among the Indian bowlers, conceding only 20 runs from his four overs. Even Jadeja emerged as the most consistent Indian spinner in the line-up for his ability to bowl according to the field placements.

This rare indeed quality of Jadeja, which makes him a special performer in across all formats, is something which his other colleagues would be looking to replicate.

A bowler like Bumrah, who has struggled with his line and length in his first spells during last two matches, tried to recreate the Bangladesh match magic. But he wasn’t as successful as he thought he would be at the end of the day.

Similarly, last match hero Hardik Pandya couldn’t reproduce the epic last over of the Bangladesh game against Australia. He went wrong while experimenting and would have to make amends before their next big game against the West Indies in Mumbai.

With India playing so many close games in recent past, it’s also physically draining for the bowlers to keep performing with same intensity.

But who would be ready to hear any excuse from an Indian cricketer? They have to be at the top of their game like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. At least, they are expected to support the likes of Nehra and Jadeja by bowling well in partnerships!