India On A High, but Proteas Can’t be Taken Lightly

 

India’s come-from-behind series win over World Cup champions Australia was some redemption after a string of disappointing performances beginning with the Asia Cup

When the first match was lost, agonizingly in yet another last over finish, it appeared that India were in for a drubbing in the three match series. But the next two were won and a dismal situation had been turned around into one of celebration. Coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma, besieged by questions about the unending experimentation, would have been highly relieved.

Admittedly the Aussies were not at full strength. Missing from the team were stalwarts David Warner (rested) and Mitchel Starc, Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stonis, (all injured) who had played stellar roles in Australia’s maiden World Cup triumph in UAE last year. Their absence was obviously felt, but does not undermine India’s strong comeback after the first match defeat. To stem a downward slide is always a challenge at the highest level, more so against a hugely competitive side. India did this with gumption and flair.

It wasn’t easy, of course, as the last two matches were also very close. The second was reduced to 8-overs a side because of rain, which made it a bit of a lottery, but India impressed in at almost 12 runs an over to chase down the target.

The third match went the distance which made India’s performance more meritorious. The Aussies were restricted to 186 despite the flying start provided by Cameron Green. India’s batsmen, especially Surya Kumar Yadav and Virat Kohli, with Hardik Pandya providing the finishing touches, overhauled the score despite the cheap dismissals of Rohit Sharma and K L Rahul.

The stand-out performer for India was Axar Patel, who has replaced the redoubtable Ravindra Jadeja in the team. Big boots to fill, but Axar has done this with aplomb and great success. He has a happy knack of picking up wickets, in the Powerplay, middle and end overs which is a great boon for the captain.

Not that everything was hunky-dory for India. Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, both T20 specialists, had been on the list of injured for a while. They were understandably a little ginger in the field and below their best. Dravid would also have liked more runs from openers Rohit Sharma and K L Rahul.

The fielding left a lot to be desired. This is an area that the team management has to address on priority. A poor fielding side is unlikely to win the World.

The other bothersome issue in my opinion, is choosing between Dinesh Karthik (who played all three matches against Australia) and Rishabh Pant, who many believe has the X Factor, in the playing XI.

All said, India’s performance against Australia was extremely rewarding where results are concerned. The players showed more resolve, purpose gumption and dynamic tactics, to win.

Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma will now be looking for an equally committed performance against South Africa in the three-match series against South Africa to gather even more winning momentum going into the World Cup.

In a major tournament, with very little separating the teams, such momentum can be crucial. Teams that take time to `settle down and find rhythm’ are more likely to suffer.

These are the last three matches both India and South Africa play before flying to Australia for the World Cup. Both sides will be looking for last minute tweaks and adjustments to get their combinations and tactics right. Winning the series, as mentioned, will be a bonus for both teams, because of the boost in confidence and momentum this would provide.

How do the teams square up?

Playing at home, is obviously huge advantage. Few sides in recent years few teams have got the better of India in India. As discussed earlier, even Australia, reigning T20 champions, lost the series after winning the first match.

Some other things also favour India in the impending series. Notably, a better win-loss ratio this year, which has contributed to a better ICC Rating in the format. Currently, India are no. 1 (after beating Australia) but South Africa are not far behind at no.3.

In recent years, South African cricket has been beleaguered by retirements of star players, some big names opting to play T20 Leagues, and the ever-present political dynamics which have taken a heavy toll over the years.

For all that, South Africa have done extremely well in recent times in every format. India, it will be remembered, were beaten 2-1 in a close and dramatic test series last year. While the they haven’t produced similar unexpected performances, in white ball cricket, there is a splurge of young talent coming through with the likes of Trustan Stubb, Marco Jansen and some more who have already made big impact.

Add these to stalwarts like Tembu Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Dwayne Pretorious, Rilee Roussow, Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram and you get a collection of players any opposing team would take lightly at its own risk.

India’s players are forewarned!