ICC CWC 2023-Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill step up to fill Hardik Pandya’s void
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for their crucial match against England in the Cricket World Cup. With all-rounder Hardik Pandya set to miss the match due to injury, the team management is looking for alternative options to fill his void. In their recent net session, captain Virat Kohli, along with Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, showcased their bowling skills to cover for Pandya’s absence.
If one or more of the specialists have a bad day, India will rely on part-timers to fill in as the sixth bowler in the absence of the all-rounder.
India’s Strategy Ahead of the Match
India has been following a five-specialist-bowlers strategy in the tournament, and with Pandya unavailable, the team management is relying on part-time bowlers to step up if needed. The focus of the net session was on finding reliable options to provide additional bowling support during the match against England.
Virat Kohli Takes the Lead
During the net session, Virat Kohli was the first to step up and roll his arm over. He bowled around a dozen balls to captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, showcasing his ability to contribute with the ball when required. Kohli had previously completed Pandya’s over in a match against Bangladesh after the all-rounder suffered an ankle injury.
Suryakumar Yadav Shines in the Nets
Suryakumar Yadav, known for his versatility as a batsman, took on the challenge of being the primary part-time bowler during the net session. He bowled to Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, impressing everyone with his bowling skills. In fact, Yadav managed to deceive Shreyas Iyer with a delivery, earning praise from Ravichandran Ashwin, who gave him a big hug.
Shubman Gill’s Unique Role
In an interesting twist, opening batsman Shubman Gill took on the role of a bowler during the net session. He bowled for an extended period to Mohammed Siraj, focusing on beating the outside edge and providing valuable coaching tips. After every near-miss, Gill would demonstrate the forward defense, emphasizing the importance of a solid technique.
Specialist Bowlers Work on Their Batting
While the top-order batsmen were honing their bowling skills, the specialist bowlers in the team focused on improving their batting abilities. Jasprit Bumrah, known for his exceptional bowling, spent a significant amount of time in the nets, facing throwdowns from batting coach Vikram Rathour. This practice session aimed to ensure that the bowlers can contribute with the bat if needed.
Team Unity and Optional Training Session
The net session highlighted the unity and camaraderie within the Indian cricket team. While most of the players participated in the optional training session, Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan decided to skip it. This decision showcases the trust between the players and the team management, allowing them to manage their workload effectively.
Addressing Concerns Ahead of the World Cup
One of the key concerns for the Indian team ahead of the World Cup was the lack of contributions from the top-order batsmen in terms of bowling. Additionally, the team was also uncertain about the reliability of their bowlers when it came to scoring runs down the order. With Hardik Pandya’s unavailability for the next few matches, these concerns have come into sharper focus. The net session was a step towards addressing these concerns and finding alternative options within the team.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Bowling History
Suryakumar Yadav’s inclusion as a part-time bowler during the net session might come as a surprise to some. However, Yadav has a history of bowling in domestic cricket. In fact, his bowling action was reported for a suspect action during the Champions League T20 tournament in 2014 while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Chennai Super Kings in the final. This background makes him a viable option to fill the void left by Pandya’s absence.
Looking Ahead to the Match Against England
With the net session providing valuable insights and options for the Indian team, they are now well-prepared to face England in the upcoming match. The part-time bowlers, led by Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill, have shown their commitment and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Their performance in the nets has boosted the team’s confidence and given them additional firepower to tackle the challenges posed by the English side.
Conclusion
The Indian cricket team’s net session ahead of their match against England in the Cricket World Cup showcased the team’s adaptability and versatility. With Hardik Pandya’s absence, captain Virat Kohli, along with Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, stepped up to provide additional bowling options. This strategic move highlights the team’s determination to overcome challenges and find alternative solutions. The net session not only honed the players’ skills but also fostered team unity and camaraderie. With the match against England fast approaching, the Indian team is well-prepared to face the competition with confidence and enthusiasm.
