India’s cricket team recently wrapped up a dominant performance against Bangladesh, securing a 3-0 series win in the T20 Internationals. While the victory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad was a resounding one, not everything is as settled as it might seem in the Indian camp. Despite the triumph, there are several areas of concern that the Men in Blue need to address as they look ahead to future challenges. Here, we delve into three key issues that emerged during the series.
Washington Sundar’s Underutilization: A Tactical Dilemma?
One of the most perplexing aspects of the series was the minimal involvement of Washington Sundar. Despite his capabilities as an all-rounder, Sundar was largely sidelined throughout the games. He faced a single delivery and bowled only four overs across the entire series. This is a stark contrast to his earlier performances where he had even clinched a Player of the Series award.
The questions around Sundar’s role are growing louder. With India having other part-time spin options like Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma, and Sundar’s hitting skills not being leveraged effectively, his future as a regular feature in the T20I squad seems uncertain.
His limited use in situations where he could have been more effective, such as against left-handed batsmen, adds to the confusion about his strategic employment.
The Missed Opportunity for Harshit Rana
Another intriguing subplot was the absence of Harshit Rana from the playing XI. Initially poised to make his debut, Rana was sidelined due to illness. This twist of fate not only delayed his entry into international cricket but also highlighted the thinning pace reserves for India.
The decision to opt for Ravi Bishnoi over Rana, despite the rest given to Arshdeep Singh, indicates a potential reluctance to experiment with the pace attack. With Rana now listed as a traveling reserve for the upcoming New Zealand Tests, the missed chance in a low-pressure series like this one could have been an ideal platform for him to demonstrate his prowess.
Abhishek Sharma’s Inconsistency at the Top
The opening slot for India remains a topic of intense scrutiny, especially with stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli nearing the end of their T20 careers. Abhishek Sharma, given the chance to cement his place as a potential opener, failed to make significant impacts. His performances were marred by starts that didn’t convert into substantial scores, raising doubts about his ability to fill the big shoes of his predecessors.
While Sanju Samson and other contenders have shown promise, Sharma’s inability to capitalize on his opportunities could be a setback for India’s strategy to solidify the top order. His repeated failures in converting starts into big innings are a concern that the team management will need to address promptly.
India’s clean sweep against Bangladesh might appear flawless on the surface, but the series has certainly exposed a few cracks that need urgent attention. As the team prepares for more formidable opponents, resolving these issues will be crucial for maintaining their dominance in the T20 format. The roles of players like Washington Sundar, the readiness of newcomers like Harshit Rana, and the stability of the opening batsmen are all elements that will require careful consideration and strategic planning by the Indian cricket think tank.
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