Legendary Sunil Gavaskar feels senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s poor efficiency within the loss of life overs is a “real concern” for India within the T20 World Cup subsequent month.
Bhuvneshwar has conceded a variety of runs on the loss of life in the previous few matches. His nineteenth over of 16 runs allowed Australia to chase down a file 209 runs within the first T20I in Mohali on Tuesday evening.
“I don’t think there was too much dew. We didn’t see fielders or bowlers trying to use towels to dry their fingers. That’s not an excuse. We didn’t bowl well. For example, that 19th over … it is a real concern,” Gavaskar mentioned on ‘Sports Today’.
“Someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes to attain runs each time it’s anticipated of him. In 18 balls he has bowled in three matches in opposition to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and now Australia, he has conceded 49 runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowls through the T20 cricket match of the Asia Cup. (AP Photo/Anjum Naved)
“It’s about three runs per ball. Someone with his experience and ability, you expect him to deliver 35-36 runs in those 18 balls. It’s really a matter of concern.” The former captain mentioned that India haven’t been in a position to defend an excellent rating, however is hopeful that the return of Jasprit Bumrah will toughen the bowling division.
Bumrah has been out of motion because the restricted overs collection in opposition to England in July this yr as he was recovering from a continual again harm.
“What we have seen over the years is that this has been one of the areas where India has suffered. They are not capable of defending a good score,” mentioned Gavaskar.
Jasprit Bumrah was recovering from an previous again harm. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
“Maybe when Bumrah comes, it could be a very totally different state of affairs as he will get wickets on the high. India did not get them as we speak (Tuesday) as Australia obtained off to an excellent begin.
“Having said that, it is only the first match. Don’t forget, Australia are the world champions. They are expected to do extraordinary things.” Former head coach Ravi Shastri additionally slammed India for “poor standard of fielding” within the first T20I Overwhelmed.
Defending 208, the Indian fielders dropped three catches together with Cameron Green (61 off 30 balls) and Matthew Wade (45 not out from 21 balls).
“If you look at all the top Indian teams over the years, there is youth and experience. I think youngsters are missing here and hence the fielding,” mentioned Shastri, who was within the commentary field.
“If you take a look at the final five-six years, I feel this workforce doesn’t match with any of the highest groups by way of fielding. And it may be badly affected in large tournaments.
“It means as a batting facet it’s a must to rating 15-20 runs after the sport, as a result of if you happen to look across the discipline, the place is the expertise? There is not any Jadeja. Where’s that X-factor?” Axar Patel was the primary offender as he dropped a regulation catch at deep mid-wicket to provide Greene life for 42. KL Rahul didn’t take an opportunity at long-off within the subsequent over.
However, the catch that proved expensive was that of Matthew Wade, who was dismissed by Harshal Patel off his personal supply within the 18th over, when the batsman was on 1.
Wade scored 45 not out off 21 balls to take Australia house with 4 balls to spare.
“What I was disappointed with today was the standard of fielding. I mean, it looks sloppy and I think when it comes to fielding you need to beat big teams in big competitions,” Shastri mentioned.
India will subsequent tackle Australia within the second T20 match in Nagpur on Friday.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
