Former Indian batter Abhinav Mukund believes Shai Hope’s early dismissal played a crucial role in India’s 14-run victory over West Indies in the third T20I in Indore on Sunday. Hope, who scored a superb century in the second game of the series, was dismissed cheaply after managing only five runs off five balls in the third game.
India’s pack leader Arshdeep Singh came around the wicket and cramped the WI opener for room. Hope went for the big shot but could not make any connection.
Mukund said on his Instagram handle, “India looked very confident as they got onto the field. That’s because of great bowling plans. Arshdeep Singh had a great plan against Shai Hope because he came around the wicket for the first time in this series and cramped him for room. Hope’s dismissal had a huge impact on the result of this game.”
Mukund also praised the inexperienced bowling duo of Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav after India’s win.
“These young bowlers need some time to prove themselves because Mayank can bowl fast and Prince Yadav can bowl in the death. They are great backups to have in case of injuries to the senior pros. The way India is developing these bowlers is fantastic. More of this will definitely help Indian cricket.”
On the other hand, the former Indian opener Mukund praised Abhishek Sharma for playing the waiting game. Sharma took some time in the initial phase of his innings and went on to score a majestic knock of 69 runs off just 30 balls.
“This time Abhishek Sharma took a different approach. He waited, waited, and waited till he thought he could take Roston Chase down, initially giving respect to the bowlers. The Abhishek-Kishan partnership was the most important for India to reach 223,” said Mukund (via the aforementioned source).
The fourth T20I between India and the West Indies will be played at Hyderabad on Wednesday.
