Former Indian legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar believes defending a total is India’s weakness and the team needs to find an immediate solution before the T20 World Cup. Indian bowlers could not defend 208 runs in the first T20I against Australia at Mohali as the fast bowlers were taken to the cleaners.
The Little Master added that India struggles to keep the opposition at bay when they don’t have the services of their pack leader Jasprit Bumrah. India had also recently lost against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup while defending a par score.
India’s death bowling has been a concern in the recent past as the bowlers have failed to execute their skills at the fag end of the innings.
“This is India’s weakness. This isn’t a new problem. It has existed for a few years now that when they are defending, they find it difficult without Bumrah. When he is there, the score can be defended but without him, they give away even 200-plus totals. Having said that, we need to look at the solution for it. Else, going forward, it may hurt them,” Gavaskar said on Sports Tak.
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah didn’t play in the first T20I against Australia as the team management didn’t want to rush him as he is coming back from a back injury.
“About his (Bumrah’s) fitness, I feel that since he is such an important member of the team, the management wants him to be entirely fit and only then he be picked in India’s XI. Maybe he plays in Nagpur, or maybe he doesn’t. But here is the thing. When the Indian team is chasing a target, they win matches. But it’s the opposite the other way around. The bowling that is needed between Overs 16 and 20, they still don’t have it,” pointed out Gavaskar.
There is no doubt that Jasprit Bumrah is going to hold the key for India in the death overs as he has all the experience but he will also need the support of the other bowlers if India is to go all the way in the T20 World Cup.
The second T20I between India and Australia will take place in Nagpur on Friday and it will be a must-win match for the hosts.
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