As the T20 World Cup starts on Wednesday, a group of superstar India cricketers is resolved to ditch an outdated approach as they face Ireland. This also commences another quest by the ‘Men in Blue’ to claim their first ICC trophy in 11 years.
The team feels it has been a bit underprepared with some doubts about getting the right combination for an untried drop-in pitch. Unlike recent Indian Premier League matches, scoring has been tougher so far.
A greater concern is that they are favorites who typically slump at crucial moments. The tournament will start with India playing against Ireland, Pakistan, USA and Canada at the qualifying stage followed by Super 8s, Semifinals and Final on June 29.
Besides global silverware secured by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, young talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja have always longed for a major trophy.
One of the most touching moments of last year’s ODI World Cup came when Rohit was seen without hope after the final match trying not to let TV cameras capture his tears as he went up silently through the stairs into the dressing room at Narendra Modi Stadium or when Kohli stole a short vacant look towards where trophy had been placed.
Sometimes even great players don’t make up great teams. Although India has relied heavily on its oldest players, one can’t forget that this current team has choked too many times during these closing stages.
Fairly speaking this is probably Rohit’s last chance to win a world title at 37. However one may be wrong if they bet any further if he will play in next T20 world cup or 50 over World Cup in South Africa in 2027.
India will take on Ireland featuring talented Paul Stirling, Josh Little, Harry Tector and Andy Balbirnie in their tournament opener.
The state of Nassau County ground with its sluggish track and shabby outfield brings curiosity to how India will cope with Irish left-arm spinner George Dockrell.
India’s spinning attack gives them an upper hand over Ireland, but apart from Bumrah, their pace attack seems weakened without the menacing Mohammed Shami.
Even too many choices have their downsides. Perhaps Rohit might and Kohli may need to sacrifice Yashasvi Jaiswal to fit in the team as a captain and top batsman respectively.
With Pant coming alive at No.3 in a practice game, India have some vitality and Pandya’s bowling form could be influencing India’s chances in this competition.
Pandya re-oiled his seam-up skills at the Cantiague Park nets where he bowled against Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit. If Pandya can consistently bowl three overs per match, India may consider playing Shivam Dube and adding an extra spinner.
Once considered minnows, Ireland recently beat Pakistan showing they are gaining ground on this format of the game. Also slight threat comes from players like Little who has featured in IPL besides Balbirnie, Stirling and Tector trio.
