CWC 2023: India needs to overcome knockout struggles

Team India emerged victorious against New Zealand in the World Cup league matches; India’s historical struggles in ICC tournament knockouts have been evident. Despite past setbacks, the current display by Team India portrays them as champions, making them the favourites for success.
The ongoing discussions primarily focus on New Zealand’s formidable attack and India’s batting order, with the Kiwi team holding an upper hand in both the order and the bowling department. The key to victory lies in controlling the top order.
Analyzing the opening duo of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, both left-handed batsmen, reveals vulnerabilities. Conway’s susceptibility to being bowled, particularly by fast bowlers and spinners, stems from a tendency to get stuck on the middle and leg stumps.
This weakness was exploited by bowlers like Mujeeb, Siraj, Hazlewood, Chameera, Hasan Ali, and Marco Jensen, who targeted him with short and extra bounce. The Indian pace battery aims to capitalize on this weakness, planning an aggressive approach with short-pitched deliveries to send Conway back to the pavilion.
Rachin Ravindra, a standout in this World Cup, has shown proficiency against spinners but faces challenges against fast bowlers, especially struggling with short balls. His tendency to use a cross bat against short deliveries has resulted in dismissals, with Marco Jensen exploiting this weakness.
Ravindra’s play can be disrupted by forcing him to play fuller balls in front, and his struggle to fully utilize his power for sixes is a notable aspect.
Darrell Mitchell, another powerful hitter in the New Zealand team, showcased his capabilities by hitting four sixes against Kuldeep Yadav, forcing a defensive response from the bowler. The suggested strategy to curb Mitchell’s aggression is the use of slower balls, capitalizing on his timing disruptions against such deliveries. Kane Williamson’s technical strength and similarity to Dravid make him a formidable opponent, requiring a unique strategy. Tom Latham’s reliance on horizontal shots may lead to self-inflicted dismissals, negating the need for a specific strategy against him.
Looking ahead, the next two tests for Team India are pivotal. The team’s current form sparks hope, and replicating the dominance displayed in winning nine matches could end the 12-year championship drought. Key performances from players like Shami and Virat Kohli are essential for maintaining India’s grip
on victory.