Cricket

India has identified a template that Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma can embrace: VVS Laxman

 

India lost their opening two matches of the T20I World Cup against Pakistan and New Zealand, which led to their downfall in the tournament. However, the Virat Kohli-led team bounced back stronger in the next three matches and played aggressively against Scotland, Afghanistan, and Namibia.

India had nothing to lose and they were able to come up with a better batting as well as bowling performance in these three matches. Former Indian batter VVS Laxman believes India has identified a template that new head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma can embrace for the team in the next T20 World Cup.

It has been noticed that India had adopted a sedate approach in the shortest format of the game and they will need to come up with better planning for the next T20I showpiece.

In his column for TOI, VVS Laxman wrote: “With the next T20 World Cup less than a year away, I’m sure India will have identified a template that new coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, all set to become the next captain, will encourage the team to embrace whole-heartedly. It’s important for India to understand that they can’t afford to keep playing 20-over cricket in the same mould as they would the 50-over game.”

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya hasn’t been bowling consistently due to his fitness issues. Laxman reckons India needs to invest in a player who can bowl medium pace while also contributing with the bat. Venkatesh Iyer, who performed this role magnificently for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, has been added to the Indian squad for the T20I series against New Zealand.

“I do feel two crucial gaps must be addressed post-haste. The first priority will be to invest in a batsman who can bowl just a few overs of medium pace, whether that be Venkatesh Iyer or Shivam Dube. This choice doesn’t necessarily have to be a back-up to Hardik Pandya but a standalone choice because it will give the captain more flexibility in picking his 11.”

Furthermore, according to Laxman, one more missing chink in India’s armor is two fast bowlers who can support Jasprit Bumrah in Australian conditions, where the World Cup will take place.

“The other would be zeroing in on two solid pacemen capable of supporting Jasprit Bumrah and capitalizing on the pace and bounce Australia is certain to offer. If one of them is a left-arm who brings a different angle of operation, then all the better. The process of identification and grooming must begin immediately so that by the time of the World Cup, these players are comfortable and secure in their roles and are aware fully of the responsibilities they’re entrusted with.”

India will now look to tick the right boxes and come up with a better performance in the three-match T20I series against New Zealand.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024