As India head to their next big hurdle in the Super 8 contest, a stage they should ideally have been dominating, they will be more cautious and focused then ever before. Perhaps it’s only fair to say particularly seeing the West Indies play as dominantly as they did against Zimbabwe, that each imminent contest now is a virtual do or die game (for all intents and purposes). What hasn’t helped the home team is their lack of net run rate, clearly an area where the West Indies have dominated with an iron fisted approach.
But at the back of India’s ruthless defeat suffered at the hands of the Proteas, what’s become rather important for a India is to mentally prepare themselves in a manner that theirs is a methodical and well prepared approached. That’s true more now than ever since the teams hitherto labeled as underdogs have risen to tackle the World Cup challenge - a prime example being the West Indies.
But the big 76 run defeat ensured thanks to South Africa’s dominant show at Ahmedabad leaves open a lot of scope for improvement.
SportsTiger, in its bid to constantly bring you engaging content is back to inform of the 3 key areas India urgently need some fixing with their big clash against Zimbabwe just a few hours at bay:
Fix the No. 3 Slot The last constant saw the usually buoyant and daring left hander waste an important review decision for a shot that one reckons the batter himself knew had been nicked to the keeper.
What do you reckon?
Tilak Varma hasn’t fully cemented the No. 3 role, and India can’t afford instability at such a crucial position in the Super 8.
The team needs someone who can either rebuild after an early wicket or accelerate instantly. A bold call like bringing in Sanju Samson could inject intent and experience at a decisive stage.
Bring Back Axar for Balance
Leaving out Axar Patel unsettles the balance of the side, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
His all-round ability offers control with the ball and depth with the bat.
In high-pressure games, India need their vice-captain’s composure and versatility on the field.
And leave everyone aside - who drops the vice captain of the side in such a crunch case (as was evident the last time around)?
Make Spin Bowling a Match-Winner
Anyone watching the proceedings would know a thing or two about how enormously does the team come to rest on Jasprit Bumrah’s shoulders. Even in their last game, he was a sheer game changer before the batters let the side down.
So what are the spinners up to?
India must use spin as an attacking weapon, not just a containment option. Controlling the middle overs through smart match-ups will be key against top batting units. If spin clicks at the right time, it can decisively tilt tight Super 8 contests in India’s favour.
