Can’t afford to make so many changes – RP Singh on India’s performance in the Asia Cup 2022

Former Indian pacer Rudra Pratap Singh believes the team can’t afford to make so many changes ahead of the T20 World Cup. India has been experimenting a lot in the absence of main players, who were recently given a break.

India has given ample opportunities to young players in the recent past but at the same time, they have meddled with the team’s combination. The main players haven’t played together and the chemistry seems to be missing between them.

Meanwhile, India played Dinesh Karthik in the first match against Pakistan and Rishabh Pant was dropped from the final XI. However, when Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out of the Asia Cup, Pant was given a nod ahead of Karthik.

RP Singh said while talking to India TV, “Wholesale experiments can be done at India A level or in the IPL or domestic cricket. You can’t afford to make so many changes in the Indian team. This has not started happening just from Rahul Dravid’s tenure but has been a common occurrence in the past 5-6 years.

“You need to understand that the insecurity among the players increases and it disturbs the balance of the team.”

Former left-arm pacer from Uttar Pradesh added that India has a quality team but their game management has been poor in the recent past.

“There is no doubt about the quality of the team. It’s just that their game management has been horrible. Every player wants to play their natural game instead of assessing the situation and adapting accordingly. So it is very important for the players to convert their potential into performances.”

Meanwhile, India’s middle order hasn’t been consistent recently. Rishabh Pant has failed to deliver the goods and India will want more from him. Singh added that the team should only pick proven players in the squad.

“Players from the middle-order have scored runs in the IPL, but when it comes to the Indian team, it’s a huge worry. We talk about the top order being weak but it’s the top order itself that has salvaged some pride for us in the Asia Cup.

“So you should only pick proven players and not hand out too many India caps as it will just give players an illusion that they are in the national scheme of things.”

India will take on Australia in the three-match T20I series.