In the World Cup 2023, India has the most balanced bowling lineup: S. Badrinath. “Bumrah is there and he’s a 360-degree bowler who can be used anywhere, and we have got Siraj who is in great form,” Badrinath went on to say.
Former Indian cricketer and broadcaster S. Badrinath offered his thoughts on India’s strong performance in the 2017 cricket World Cup, underlining the team’s dominance and Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Badrinath also discussed spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s comeback and the balance of India’s bowling lineup. He also discussed Hardik Pandya’s unavailability and the strategy he feels the squad should adopt in his absence for the game against England. Badrinath also discussed India’s unproven middle order and the cautious confidence around the World Cup campaign.
S. Badrinath remarked of Sharma’s captaincy and influence as an opening batter for India
“First, his captaincy has been very good.” He’s adhered to the plan and backed the right people. He’s putting a lot of faith in Shardul Thakur, and it’s perhaps time for that decision to pay off, given that Hardik Pandya is going to miss tomorrow’s game, and Shardul has been playing well. That is very encouraging news.
Kuldeep Yadav appears to be thriving under Rohit Sharma as well. I believe they have a solid captain-player relationship. Overall, I consider Rohit to be a big brother-type captain. He’s laid-back and gets along well with the lads. So, I believe he’s doing well, and his hitting form has been excellent. He’s talked about it previously, saying he’ll play positively from the start, and that’s exactly what he’s been doing.”
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S. Badrinath discussed Kuldeep’s revival and the elements that contributed to it
“Two things. From a technical sense, he’s focused on his run-up, making it considerably straighter, which gives his bowling more momentum. He’s also improved his non-bowling arm, which is now considerably straighter. His airspeed has risen as a result of these two technological changes. He used to bowl in the early 80s, but now he routinely bowls between 85 and 90 km/h, which is the optimal speed for spinners in ODIs. Tactically, I believe he is more confident under Rohit’s captaincy. He’s gaining more room to express himself and practice his bowling. So these variables are working in his favor.”
“I wouldn’t say best, but I would use the words ‘Most Balanced,’ because Bumrah is there and he’s a 360 degree bowler who can be used anywhere, and we have Siraj who is in great form,” Badrinath said of India’s bowling line-up. Apart from that, we have a wrist spinner and a pretty excellent left-arm spinner in the mix, and I believe we have the most balanced bowling squad in this World Cup.”
In Hardik’s absence, Badrinath remarked, “See Hardik is a big miss because, let’s be honest, he’s the key player who provides the balance for Rohit and Team India.” But I’ll be wanting to play a bowler, whether it’s Shami or Ashwin, because I want someone in there who can bowl 10 overs because I don’t see Shardul bowling 10 overs match after match because it would be difficult. So the comfort was there while Hardik was there, but now that he isn’t, I’ll go with a bowler.”
Badrinath also addressed the issue of India’s middle order not being tested, saying.
“See, it’s a fact that India’s middle order has not been tested. It’s not a cause for concern, because India has been dominating and the top order has been getting runs, so can’t call it a cause for concern, but a fact.” But these things happen in sports, and you can’t expect to pay the price for playing too well. My main concern is that the 2019 demons do not come to haunt India.”
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