Mind The Bowlers, They Win Matches

Odisha Bytes has got a great response from its readers and cricket buffs to whom we had requested to share their Dream Indian Team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Here goes the second article in the Dream Team series:

To pick the best Indian XI for the T20 World Cup, let’s begin with the bowlers. T20 may appear to be a batsman’s game, but it’s the bowlers who play a decisive role in the ultimate outcome. Given its strength in batting, Team India can be backed to post a total of around 180 against any opposition without much hassle. It may not be a winning total. Good teams with explosive batsmen, like England, Australia, New Zealand and even Pakistan can overtake such a target, unless bowlers intervene emphatically. If India are to chase a score, the bowlers have to ensure that the target is much less than 180. The experience and mental sharpness of bowlers will matter a lot if India are to have a shot at winning the trophy.

Tried and trusted pace attack

Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are seasoned campaigners. The former swings the ball, so he will be an asset in the power play overs. He is accurate as well, and can be used in different phases of the innings to restrict the batsmen from scoring freely. Bumrah, of course, is one of the best in international cricket. He is a wicket-taker as well as and run-restrictor. Mohammad Siraj has proved to be an asset to the team in the last two-three seasons thanks to his variety and sharp cricketing sense. Hardik Pandya has improved as a bowler, and his all-round skills augur well for the team. The likes of Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Shardul Thakur can step in for the first-choice pacers if the situation demands.

Six bowling options

Six bowling options are needed, so I’ll go for two spinners. As Ravindra Jadeja is recovering from a surgery, I will go for Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. They are both quality spinners. Ashwin is a proven utility player, with bat as well, over the years. He has loads of experience too.

Fearless approach needed

Keeping in mind that 180 is the average target, the need of the hour is a mix of sensible and fearless approach. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul should be the openers, followed by Virat Kohli. Suryakumar Yadav is my No. 4, followed by Pandya and Rishabh Pant.

THE DREAM XI

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Md Siraj.

Also Read: Dear Readers, What’s Your Dream Team India For T20 World Cup?

Also Read: No Place For Kohli, Let Rahul Bat At No. 3