Following India’s 66-race loss to Australia on Friday, many issues have come to light. The Indian field was rusty and the bowling attack seemed weak. Call it the result of not playing one-day cricket in nine months, but for most players coming out of playing the IPL, a sloppy performance like the one shown at the Sydney Cricket Ground is not a true reflection of No. 2 ODI team in the world.
Read also | With no Plan B and series in play, India is quick to rectify glaring mistakes against rampant Australia
In addition to a mediocre field and toothless bowling alley, the lack of a sixth bowling option has done India the most damage. With their front-line bowlers out of touch, and Hardik Pandya was not allowed to bowl due to injury management, the Indian bowlers took a beating that caused Australia to set them a goal of 375. The former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir has made the same point, saying the problem for the team dealing with the sixth bowler’s dilemma is not new.
“It has been happening since what… the last World Cup. If Hardik Pandya is out of shape, where is his sixth bowling option? Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo.
Read also | India predicted XI for second ODI against Australia: Virat Kohli could hand over debut to youngster to close the gap
“Yes, you can talk about putting Manish Pandey, but again, even if Rohit Sharma returns to Playing XI, the problem that you are facing right now, you will also face because there is no one in the top six who can give you a pair of overs “.
Gambhir explained how Australia is a stark contrast to India in the same department, his team has numerous batting and bowling players. With Pandya injured, Gambhir feels there is one more all-rounder capable of filling the extra pitching spot for India, but remains concerned about his impact.
Read also | ‘You don’t see them win the World Cup with this formation’, Michael Vaughan highlights the problems in India Playing XI
“On the other hand, if you see, the Australian side has Moisés Henriques, who can give you a couple of overs, Sean Abbott, who is an all-terrain bowling alley. They have Daniel Sams, who can bowl and bat, ”he added.
“From India’s point of view, if Hardik Pandya is out of shape, where is his replacement? It’s just Vijay Shankar I can think of, but does he have the same impact hitting at No. 5 or 6. Can he give you 7-8 overs? I have my doubts “.
.
