Ahmedabad: Moments that stand out with Jasprit Bumrah on the cricket field often include him knocking the bails off behind Dawid Malan or sending Mahmudullah back to the pavilion with a perfect yorker during the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, it’s his clever deliveries that quietly change the game in the middle overs, like when he finally got Mohammed Rizwan out.
While many fans remember the big wickets taken early on or at the end of the game, it’s in the middle overs where many key battles are won or lost. This part of the game, which takes up 60% of a 50-over match, might not always be exciting, but it is really important. In these middle overs, players like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson score a lot with their clever shots. To stop them, a team needs to take their wickets. With Bumrah in the team, it becomes easier to get breaks. But if he isn’t playing, it could be tough for India.
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, mentioned, “The middle overs can change the game’s direction. If we can take wickets during these overs, we won’t have to worry too much about the end.” This is critical considering Bumrah’s fitness will be uncertain. If he’s fit, it’s excellent for India, but if he isn’t, they might need to use more spin options to get wickets.
In the last World Cup, India’s success in the middle overs was thanks to Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, who took 23 wickets combined. They were not just taking wickets; they were also keeping runs low. Jadeja continues to be an asset in the current series against England with his smart bowling, but Axar Patel and Kuldeep have yet to put in their best performances.
New spinner Varun Chakravarthy debuted in the second ODI, showing some initial challenges, but his unique style could help him make the Champions Trophy team. As for Axar, he contributes with his batting, and Hardik Pandya has also been fit for bowling. Chakravarthy can provide cover for Kuldeep, making it possible for both to play together.
India’s next matches in the Champions Trophy are against strong teams like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, all taking place at the Dubai International Stadium. Over the years, India has tried many strategies for their middle overs, focusing a lot on spin bowling. Pandya has been a solid choice among the pace bowlers.
Shami and Arshdeep Singh also need to deliver strong performances in the upcoming match. As Rohit hinted, the team is eager to improve and build on their last performances as they hope Kohli can shine again. Kohli has just had a few matches without scoring a fifty after his previous outstanding innings. “We want to keep getting better as a team. As long as everyone knows their roles, we should do well,” Rohit concluded
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