India’s scintillating performance in the two warm-up matches has created a lot of problems for the team management besides boosting the confidence of the players and fans. There were also some players in the team whose form IPL seemed lethargic and had become cause for some concern t20 world cup. Concerns over who should be included in the playing XI starting with the match against Pakistan on Sunday have been put to rest.
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Captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Ravi Shastri and mentor Mahendra Singh Dhoni must have been relieved and delighted with the way the two strong teams played their warm-up matches against England and Australia. Wins in both matches, while undoubtedly strongly desired, were perhaps less important to players struggling to find their mojo in the current situation. Ishan Kishan played a brilliant innings against England, which played a key role in the team’s easy victory. Against Australia, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and to an extent Hardik Pandya batted brilliantly to improve the competitive score, with plenty of wickets and overs to spare.
The performance of these batsmen was unmatched in the second leg of IPL played in UAE. While Rohit did not look out of touch, there were also some apprehensions about his fitness and lack of big scores. His sublime 60 (retired) against the Aussies showed he is back in peak form. Unlike Rohit, who was missing out on big scores in the IPL, Ishan Kishan and Surya Kumar Yadav looked badly out of touch. So much so that Mumbai Indians dropped Ishan from the playing XI after a few matches, bringing him back only at the end of the league stage.
In MI’s last few games in the IPL, both he and Yadav ended with explosive innings. But whether it was a flash in the pan or something durable, that was the question. Both the batsmen lived up to their bills in the warm-up games as well as put pressure on the team management. In bowling, Shami picked up three wickets to help England deal with body blows while Bumrah took one, an all-time threat and with an excellent economy rate. Kumar scored a lot against Bhuvneshwar, but he came back strongly against Australia, showing that his ability to swing late did not let him down. Shardul Thakur bowled vigorously without taking a wicket.
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Jadeja was hardly an issue among the spinners. His tough batting and brilliant fielding ensured him a place in the playing XI in any format, but who would be his teammate in the T20 World Cup was a debate before the two warm-up matches. Ashwin – who had a barren IPL – took two wickets in an over at the start of the innings, reducing Australia’s chances of a big total. Varun Chakravarthy was used wisely so as not to expose him. Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, among those who didn’t have the IPL bounty, got a considerable number of overs, which he bowled with skill and control.
I have given this background to highlight how the Indian team players who were looked upon with suspicion during the IPL have come well at all times, but it has taken the task of finalizing the playing XI. Has made a difficult issue with many dimensions. For example, does the batting include Ishan Kishan, Surya Kumar Yadav or both? Given that Pandya is unlikely to bowl, does he still make the cut? Should there be three pacers and two spinners in the bowling on UAE pitches? Between Bhuvneshwar and Shardul, who should be picked for Bumrah and Shami’s partner?
Among the slow bowlers, apart from Jadeja, which spinner among Ashwin, Chakraborty and Chahar will bring the optimum value? Does Kohli, who was tried for a few overs against Australia, have the means to be the fifth bowler to accommodate an extra batsman? This will confuse the team management to an extent, but in general it is a good problem, as the players on the bench have to be in good shape as well. While India’s opening match against Pakistan is grabbing headlines right now, it must be remembered that the World Cup is a three-week campaign.
Given the unpredictability of the format, teams must be in prime physical and mental condition for each match, no matter what the opponent is. It cannot be lost on the likes of Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been around for a while that India’s only title came in the inaugural tournament in 2007. This explains the difficulty quotient of winning a World Cup, even for a team that has been consistently pitched as favourites.
A good start in the tournament is a blessing, and what could be better than beating the arch rivals. In the ICC rankings, it is a close match with India who are placed at No. 2 (behind England), and Pakistan marginally behind at no. 3. In such high octane competitions, however, rankings don’t matter as much as which team can hold their nerve better. India’s record against Pakistan in ICC tournaments is excellent. It was only in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy that they had to face defeat. India’s win rate in ODI and T20 World Cup is 100%. Will this winning streak be able to continue? Pakistan’s recent performance has been impressive, but I would lean towards India for greater depth of experience and proven class.
Apart from stalwarts like Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, Pakistan have some exciting youngsters to assist with high quality players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. But bigger stage and bigger opportunity demands mental toughness and experience to go along with skill. Because of this, R Ashwin will have a good inclusion in the playing XI. He is smart, but also tough. And Hardik Pandya too, albeit as a specialist batsman, because of his nervous, clean hitting in the slog overs and brilliant fielding. This will increase the responsibility of the five specialist bowlers who cannot afford the day off.
My playing XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar/Shardul, Mohamed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah. If the pitch is perceived as one which help spin, Chahar/Chakravarthy replace Bhuvi or Shardul.
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