Whenever there is a discussion about India-Pakistan cricket, the focus often remains on Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. It is true that both are exceptional players and have played a significant role in changing the direction of world cricket. However, it is also true that a single individual cannot change everything. The team’s fast bowling and spin bowling options, middle-order batting, and fielding also play a significant role, and above all, mental toughness is crucial. When a team loses, its shortcomings are often scrutinized.
Team India recently lost matches to Australia and Bangladesh, and the poor performance of Indian batting has been a significant reason for these losses. It’s hard to forget the recent struggles of the Indian batting lineup against Australia in Visakhapatnam. Similarly, in other matches against Australia, losing quick wickets in the lower middle-order and lower order became the cause of India’s defeat. Against Bangladesh, in one match, India lost six wickets in just under 34 runs. This situation is surprising considering that Indian batting is renowned worldwide for its excellence. Pakistan is not very different from India in this regard either. They also recently lost two matches against New Zealand primarily because their top order did not perform. In the second match played in Karachi, Fakhar Zaman did manage to score a century, but he was left alone in the battle. Speaking of fast bowling, there’s no doubt that Pakistan has one of the best attacks in the world. Especially in conditions like the Indian subcontinent, where the World Cup is being held, Pakistan’s attack surpasses even Australia and South Africa. Afridi’s devastating pace, Naseem Shah’s consistent wicket-taking ability, and Haris Rauf’s genuine pace are indeed a formidable puzzle for the opposition. This is a formidable attack, while Team India is still uncertain about how to utilize all three of its frontline bowlers. To strengthen the batting at the eighth position, either Shardul or Axar is played, which means that one of the frontline pacers may have to sit out for India. Wasim Akram’s comments about Jasprit Bumrah are noteworthy. It remains to be seen whether Bumrah, with his fitness levels, whether he can sustain his performance across all three bowling spell. This will be evident during the matches. Mohammed Siraj has found success among Indian fast bowlers, and there’s no matching the skills of Shami in seam bowling. Certainly, India has a strong advantage in the spin department. Kuldeep Yadav could prove to be a significant difference-maker between both teams. Today, no other spinner in either team’s bowling attack has the same wicket-taking ability, average, and economy rate as Kuldeep this year. In January of this year, Daryl Mitchell fell victim to Ravindra Jadeja, and during the previous World Cup, Babar Azam faced a similar dismissal. Jadeja’s economy rate and the drift in his deliveries have been India’s second significant success factor in this department, which instills hope. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan has shown promise in the last two matches. Before that, he wasn’t as effective as a wicket-taking bowler for the Pakistan team.
Nawaz will need to turn the ball more effectively to be impactful. In January this year, Daryl Mitchell was dismissed in a similar fashion, and during the previous World Cup, Babar Azam also fell victim to a dream delivery. In January this year, Daryl Mitchell was dismissed in a similar fashion, and during the previous World Cup, Babar Azam also fell victim to a same dream delivery.
