Former India Test opener Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over India’s bowling attack after the team’s ODI series against the West Indies. India won the three-match series 2-1, but their bowling unit struggled throughout the series. The biggest concern came in the second ODI, when West Indies scored 405/7 in Guwahati.
India’s bowlers also failed to defend 351 in the third ODI. West Indies chased down the target in 48.2 overs to register a five-wicket victory in New Chandigarh on Saturday.
Chopra said they should not be too critical of India’s bowling line-up as the hosts played with a second-string team because of injury woes and unavailability due to the Asian Games.
He said on his YouTube Channel, “Can’t be too critical considering how ridiculously high scoring series this has been. But yes, there is Prasidh Krishna, played one and a half games. [Mohammed] Siraj played a game. This is your second string bowling attack. But this is what you have. And you might need a couple of them come the World Cup. So, this is not worrying. But yes, you want to keep an eye on how the stocks are developing.”
Meanwhile, India dropped three catches in the final game of the series against the visitors. Chopra said there should not be any excuses for poor fielding as it could cost India in big matches.
“A batter will have a bad day. Bowlers might actually find it difficult because of the conditions and what not. But there are no excuses for a slightly mediocre fielding effort. If you’re dropping catches, you will invariably concede lots of runs. Dropped catches often end up losing you games. So, that is one thing that will definitely be on India’s radar that you need to get that right.”
India will next take on the West Indies in a five-match T20I series, starting Tuesday.
