After the crushing defeat of 76 runs in the Super-8, the churning in the Indian team has intensified. The team management is now seriously considering dropping at least one out-of-form batsman. Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s associate coach Ryan ten Deschate and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak have indicated that a change in the playing-11 is possible in the next match. India now has to play Zimbabwe in Chennai on 26 February and West Indies in Kolkata on 1 March in the Super-8 round.
Concern increased over flop form
After the defeat against South Africa in the Super-8, questions have been raised on the top order of the team. Abhishek Sharma has scored only 15 runs in four matches. Tilak Verma has 107 runs in five matches, but the strike rate has been 118. Finisher Rinku Singh’s 24 runs in 29 balls (strike rate 82.75) is also disappointing. In such a situation, the team management seems to be left with little option other than considering changes.
What did the coaching staff say?
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clearly said, ‘If the head coach and team management feel that we should do something different, then we will make changes. Now we are at that point where we have to think about what to change and how to change. He further said, ‘We have to decide whether to go with the same combination or try something new.’
Dashkate’s statement
At the same time, Ryan ten Deschate indicated that the balance of right-handed batsmen is also being discussed. He said, ‘Should we stick with the same players who have performed well in the last 18 months or give a chance to Sanju, who is a brilliant player and provides a strategic right-handed option in the top order?’ He also added, ‘This will definitely be a topic of discussion before the next two important matches.’
What did the coach say about Rinku?
After this statement of Deshkate, there is a possibility that Sanju Samson may once again be a part of the playing eleven in place of Abhishek or Tilak in the next two matches of Super-8. The lack of specialist backup batsmen in the team is also a matter of concern. The uniformity of the top order can be broken by including a right-handed batsman. Regarding Rinku Singh, Ten Deschate said, ‘It is very difficult to bat at number seven-eight. Rinku has not got many opportunities, but now is the time to perform. There is no use talking about rhythm in the nets.
Special attention on Abhishek and Tilak
Ten Deschate also talked about the preparations for the inauguration. He said, ‘I will not make excuses for Abhishek, but food poisoning affected his preparation. When you are out on zero three times, it is natural for the pressure to increase. He said that Tilak Verma is also not able to score runs as expected. However, Kotak believes that giving too much advice can be counterproductive. Kotak said, ‘It is better for Abhishek to keep a clear mind rather than filling his mind with too much information. Not much change is possible in two days. Now he has to see the ball and plan his innings better.
Change certain or trust intact?
Now Team India faces ‘do or die’ matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies. In such a situation, the question is whether the team management will change the combination or maintain faith in the players. The defeat of Super-8 has brought Team India into a period of introspection. Given the poor form and lack of balance of the batsmen, the possibility of change is strong. However, the final decision will be taken just before the match. The coming two matches will prove to be a testing moment for India.
Indian team: Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel.