Following India’s World T20 losses to Pakistan and New Zealand, there is talk of a shift in strategy in the shortest format. Cricket Id analysts from around the world chastised the Indian team for their cautious attitude and aim. It’s no surprise that the shortest format is being demanded by both former cricketers and fans.
New Coaching and Support Personnel
Rahul Dravid has been named Head Coach of the Indian side following the conclusion of the present T20I World Cup. Rahul Dravid faces numerous hurdles, ranging from adjusting his approach to winning an ICC trophy. Dravid and the new support staff, in reality, have a lot more on their hands. They must also take care of developing the youth in order to develop a formidable side. Dravid, on the other hand, is recognized for giving new players a chance. He is known to them as a guiding force.
We are aiming to examine India’s transformation possibilities with the next T20I world cup, which will be hosted next year, in a series of posts centered on team India’s shortest format transformation. We are looking at a few young players in all three areas who could be given a chance to construct a dominant T20I team. In this article, we will examine India’s strategy and top hierarchy. The following two blogs will discuss the middle order and the bowling department, respectively.
Approach: It is necessary to reinvent, but with caution
Approach clarity is a critical tool in the arsenal of a formidable team in T20. Following the 2015 World Cup, England changed their style to an all-attacking philosophy, producing one of the most dominant sides in white-ball cricket. Similarly, the West Indies are recognized for their attacking style of cricket. However, England has qualified for the semifinals of the present event, while the West Indies have failed terribly on those challenging UAE fields.
Flaws in India’s Top Order
We’ve seen India’s top order get out cheaply on a few occasions, leaving the squad in big danger. Here are a few problems of India’s ruling class:
Pace and swing bowlers have tormented Indian hitters early on.
To optimize powerplay, a Mahadev Id usually has an aggressor in the top order. However, India’s top order of Rohit Sharma, Kl Rahul, and Virat Kohli is known for taking their time at the start of their innings.
Virat Kohli’s strategy against spinners is also an issue that need immediate attention.
For the opposition, having a matchup and strategizing against India’s top order is a little easier.
Revamping India’s Top Order
With Rohit and Rahul poised to be announced as the future Captain and Vice-Captain, respectively, and being India’s finest players, they will keep their positions. Virat Kohli, the match-winner, cannot be considered out of the team.
To play an aggressive type of cricket, a top-order should logically consist of two aggressors and one anchor who can play depending on the situation. Virat Kohli, one of the best anchors in t20 cricket, will take on that duty. However, Rahul and Rohit must assume the role of the aggressor, attacking from the first ball. The other option is to push Kl Rahul to the center, making room for the attacker at the top.
Iyer, Venkatesh
Following the second part of the IPL 2021, fresh Iyer has emerged as one of the best candidates for India’s top order. He has a modest advantage over others due to his ability to bowl a few overs and being a left-hander. Furthermore, the presence of an all-rounder at the top aids in the formation of the necessary batting depth.
He has also done admirably in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Furthermore, in 51 T20 matches, he has scored 1212 runs with an average of 39 and a Sr. of 134. Will he, however, be able to continually play at the top as an aggressor? Let’s put things aside for the time being.
Ishan Kishan
When given the chance, this left-handed batter has delivered. He can attack from the first ball and thus fits the profile of an attacking hitter at the top. He can bat in the middle order, but his top-order performances are more effective.
Prithvi Shaw
His propensity to score quick runs in the powerplay makes him a strong candidate for India’s opening spot. With his remarkable SR of 160, he fits the bill of an aggressor. Given his association with Dravid since U19, he may perhaps get good opportunities at the top under Dravid.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj, the IPL 2021 top scorer, is performing admirably in the present SMAT. However, he may not be the ideal choice for the aggressor role. However, he has the ability to regularly strike spinners. He has the potential to be a good backup for the top order.
Agarwal, Mayank
Mayank has demonstrated his attacking abilities on the powerplay in the previous two IPLs. In last year’s IPL, he scored 441 runs with an SR of 140 and an average of 40. His propensity to score huge runs in the powerplay makes him a strong contender for India’s top order.
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