The batters of India in the USA phase of the ICC T20 World Cup were not able to get going, but as the Super Eights arrive in West Indies, Robin Singh a former all-rounder thinks that change might favor this team through different conditions. He is hopeful that captain Rohit Sharma and star player Virat Kohli will come together for a strong opening partnership in Barbados.
In New York, Rohit Sharma had it tough with only one notable innings of 52 against Ireland. In contrast, Kohli scored 1 and 4 against Ireland and Pakistan respectively before being dismissed for a duck against USA.
The first Super Eight game against Afghanistan will be play at Kensington Oval in Barbados where Australia has posted over 200 runs hence providing better conditions for Indian batsmen.
“I don’t think that’s really an issue, and it’s not only Virat and Rohit. I think everyone who has opened innings in every team really struggled in the conditions provided during the World Cup so far. But I think this is a different format. I mean they have three games to play.
“They know exactly where they stand. These guys are seasoned players top of the line; so, I’m pretty sure one of them is going to deliver, if not both to be honest. It’d be nice to see both of them actually putting up a very good partnership together,” Robin said exclusively to IANS.
‘A left-hander in the top three’
Rishabh Pant has been a significant positive for India playing at number three and emerging as the leading run-scorer with 96 (three games).
“I’ve always advocated that you have a left-hander in the top three even if he’s not an opener. So that makes a huge difference because if you see most of the bowlers they are right-arm bowlers they are not left-arm bowlers so it changes the line totally. In T20, most people struggle a little bit with the lines if you have left and right combinations.
“So that makes a huge difference, to be very frank. I don’t know how many people know but even the wind factor in Barbados is very strong from one part of the ground. So that’s going to make a huge difference in the game especially when spinners come into play,” said Robin who represented India in 136 ODIs.
‘Can’t underestimate Afghanistan’
India can’t afford to take Afghanistan lightly, as they possess a strong bowling attack led by Fazalhaq Farooqi who happens to be the leading wicket-taker so far with 12 scalps.
“No I don’t think so you can underestimate Afghanistan team. Their bowlers have done very well. Farooqi has been bowling really well and they have a couple of seasoned fast bowlers as well but overall I think they’ve been pretty confident team.
“So they are probably the dark horses of the tournament. It’s really important to be on top of your game against them, everybody has to perform. So you can’t take anyone lightly.”
