AFTER TAMING BANGLA TIGERS, TEAM INDIA KEEN TO CLIP HIGH-FLYING KIWIS

The Indian juggernaut continues to roll impressively and create massive waves in the World Cup. After convincingly thrashing the western neighbours, it was the turn of the eastern rivals Bangladesh on Thursday. Not only did Team India squash all murmurs of another upset in a tournament which has already seen two major ones, but Rohit and his warriors also sent out a strong signal to other teams of their marauding intentions! With 4 wins in as many games, Team India will travel to Dharamshala to face table toppers New Zealand, the only other team to remain unbeaten in the competition.

In the process, both the ODI stalwarts of all time, Rohit and Virat, have helped themselves to hundreds. The entire batting unit seems in great form though they are yet to bat first in this World Cup. After winning against Pakistan, India had a refreshing 5-day gap before they faced Bangladesh. During this period, England lost to Afghanistan and South Africa was shocked by the Netherlands. The results set tongues wagging that Bangladesh too may create a hurdle for India.

But it wasn’t to be and India proved why they are being seen as the tournament favourites. Not only did they bat well, India’s bowling curbed the run flow at a crucial time after an excellent opening stand by the Bangladeshi batters. It was yet another toss that Rohit lost and Bangladesh stand-in skipper, Najmul Shanto decided to bat first. The regular captain, Shakib Al Hasan was injured and hence rested for the game.

India played an unchanged eleven from the Pakistan game. Bumrah was exceptional with his discipline of length and Siraj too showed control in his guidance. But the pitch at Pune stadium was a belter, and most experts felt that only a 300-plus score would be par on the night. Realizing that the ball wasn’t doing any tricks, 22-year-old, Tanzid Hasan upped the tempo of the innings and hit a quick 51 off 43 balls.

His opening partner, Litton Das after a careful start, opened up as Bangladesh neared 100 within 15 overs. India was hampered in their plans after a freak injury to Hardik Pandya, who fell while trying to stop a ball off his own bowling and injured his left ankle. His 3-ball over was completed by Virat Kohli which was an instant hit with the cheering crowd. Hardik’s injury meant that Kuldeep was introduced in the attack earlier than usual. His introduction put the brakes on scoring, eventually leading to the fall of the first wicket.

Kuldeep pinged Tanzid in front of the stumps. It led to a slow consolidation interspersed with regular fall of wickets. Kuldeep and Jadeja ensured that India never faced any threat in the rest of the innings as Bangladesh stuttered to a below par score. Bumrah, once again, accurately speared his yorkers in the death overs picking up 2 wickets for just 41.

A target of 257 was never really a challenge for the Indian batting lineup. Rohit and Shubman were brutal in their assault on Bangladeshi pacers and notched up an 88-run stand in just over 12 overs. When Rohit fell to a pull, Bangladesh faced another stalwart in Virat. It was a night that he made his own as he stayed till the end. India lost Shubman and Shreyas who both failed to clear the boundary but Virat stitched an unbeaten 83 run stand with Rahul to win the match comfortably.

India has a quick turnaround now, as the Kiwis await them on Sunday. Their last World Cup encounter was the 2019 semifinals and turned out to be Dhoni’s last international match. New Zealand hasn’t lost to India since the 2003 ODI World Cup in any of the ICC events. With Kane Williamson nursing a thumb fracture, Kiwis are a bit vulnerable at the top and therein lies India’s chance to capitalise with their in form bowlers. Hardik’s injury will impact the balance of the side and India might have to go in with specialists for the game.

Suryakumar and Ishan are the batting contenders while Shami might get a look in place of Shardul. Dharamshala due to its elevation, presents seam friendly conditions and Shami’s addition will sharpen India’s bowling in Hardik’s absence. But there is a debate on who should play at number 6.

Many experts and cricket fans, including Congress MP and cricket enthusiast Shashi Tharoor, feel Surya would be better suited for Number 6 to give a boost to the latter part of the innings. But whatever combination India goes with, ‘Hitman’ and Co will want to avenge the 2019 defeat and move to the top of the group table!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry