Key Points:
- The lack of a sixth bowling choice, in addition to lacklustre fielding and toothless bowling, is what caused the most harm to India.
- Where is your sixth bowling choice if Hardik Pandya is not fit?
- Gambhir clarified how Australia in the same department is a sharp contrast to India.
- Vijay Shankar that I can think of, but at No. 5 or 6, he has the same batting effect.
A lot of issues have come to light following India’s 66-run loss to Australia on Friday. India’s fielding looked poor and seemed sluggish in the bowling attack. Call it the product of not playing one-day cricket over nine months. Still, a poor performance such as those displayed at the Sydney Cricket Ground may not be the true representation of the No. 2 ODI team in the world for most players who are coming off playing the IPL.
India has a lack of 6th bowler:
The lack of a sixth bowling choice, in addition to lacklustre fielding and toothless bowling, is what caused the most harm to India. The Indian bowlers took a beating, which saw Australia set them a goal of 375, with their frontline bowlers looking out of control, and Hardik Pandya not allowed to bowl due to injury management.
The same has been highlighted by former India batsman Gautam Gambhir, saying the issue of the team struggling with the sixth-bowler conundrum is not fresh.
Gambhir on ESPNCricinfo:
“It has been going on since what was the last World Cup. Where is your sixth bowling choice if Hardik Pandya is not fit? “Gambhir on ESPNCricinfo said.
“Yes, you may talk about putting Pandey in Manish, but again even if Rohit Sharma gets back into Playing XI, the issue you’re facing right now you’re going to face it then as well, although there’s no one in the top six who would give you a few overs.”
Gambhir clarified how Australia in the same department is a sharp contrast to India, their squad boasting various all-round batting as well as bowling. Gambhir feels there is yet another all with Pandya injured who can fill the extra bowler position for India but remains apprehensive of its effect.
Gambhir on the Australia team:
But on the other hand, when you see, on the Australian side, there’s Moises Henriques, who could give you a few overs, Sean Abbott, who’s an all-rounder bowling man. They have Daniel Sams, who can bowl as well as bat,’ he stated.
Gambhir from India’s point of view:
From India’s point of view, where is your replacement if Hardik Pandya is not fit? It was only Vijay Shankar that I can think of, but at No. 5 or 6, he has the same batting effect. Will he be able to give you 7-8 overs? I have my doubts.’
