Ex-IND Keeper Raises Questions On India's Combination: 'Team Management Faces Crucial Decisions'

Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes that the team needs to make crucial decisions regarding their combination of spinners and the number eight position after their four-wicket defeat in the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

India, having been put in to bat first, struggled as Josh Hazlewood dismantled the top order with a potent spell of 3-13, leaving them four wickets down within the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma responded with a steady 68, but India failed to build on his innings and were bowled out for 125 in 18.4 overs. Australia chased the target comfortably, winning with four wickets in hand and 40 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

“There are positive takeaways like

Abhishek Sharma’s batting and Varun Chakaravarthy’s bowling, but the team management faces crucial decisions. They must determine the optimal combination regarding playing two wrist spinners in Australian conditions and whether to strengthen batting at number eight by including a bowler like Harshit Rana, who can bat instead of a specialist like Arshdeep Singh.”

“Additionally, the toss strategy raises questions; despite significant dew, India intended to bat first. This decision requires examination, especially since local groundsmen confirmed heavy dew formation during evening matches,” said Parthiv on JioStar.

Gill At Fault?

Parthiv also questioned the strategy at the toss. “As vice-captain, Shubman Gill’s contributions naturally remain crucial, though the primary discussion revolves around team composition rather than the established opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma.”

“Regarding Gill’s approach with the bat, he possesses the ability to play aggressive shots down the ground and match Abhishek’s intent, but he doesn’t need to replicate that style. His strength lies in timing the ball beautifully through the mid-on and mid-off region without resorting to cross-bat shots, which is what he did in the first T20I in Canberra.”

“Given his experience and reading of the game, he can afford to set his own tempo, much like he did during the Asia Cup, rather than altering his natural game and playing like his partner Abhishek Sharma in this series,” he concluded.

(With inputs from Agencies)