IND vs SA: Why low-scoring T20Is are India’s comfort zone

DHARAMSHALA: As the T20 World Cup approaches, India's batting lineup is causing concern, potentially pushing the team towards strategies that prioritize their strong bowling attack. This shift is notable considering the team's previous preference for batting-heavy lineups.

While Abhishek Sharma has shown promise at the top, consistent performances from other batsmen have been lacking. Consequently, India might find more success in lower-scoring matches. A recent example is their victory against South Africa in Dharamshala, mirroring their Asia Cup performance, where chasing modest totals led to wins. Despite the focus on aggressive batting over the past year, the bowling unit has been the consistent force. The struggles of captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill are well-documented, but the issues appear more widespread. Tilak Varma's strike rate has often remained below 120 in his last 14 innings, largely due to his role in stabilizing the innings. Frequent changes to the batting order haven't helped players settle, and Axar Patel hasn't found his stride as a floater. Despite calls for Sanju Samson's inclusion, his recent performances haven't been particularly impressive either.

Abhishek Sharma emphasized his intent to provide quick starts, allowing other batsmen to settle in. He also expressed confidence in Gill and Surya's ability to perform well in the World Cup. After Abhishek's dismissal for 35 off 18 balls, the remaining Indian batsmen took over 10 overs to score the necessary 58 runs.

Varun Chakravarthy's inclusion has significantly strengthened India's bowling attack. His consistent and economical spells provide a cushion for the batting order. Chakravarthy's unique deliveries pose a challenge for unfamiliar batsmen. The bowling attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Chakravarthy, is capable of testing any batting lineup. Their combined performance can be decisive, even in high-scoring contests. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. India's batting struggles were evident in the second T20I in Chandigarh, where they fell short despite South Africa feeling they were slightly below par even after scoring 213. Chakravarthy's ability to take wickets in the middle overs is a key asset. In the Asia Cup final, Kuldeep Yadav and Chakravarthy restricted Pakistan to a low score, enabling India to secure victory. With only a few games remaining before the World Cup, India might adjust their strategy to alleviate the pressure on the batsmen and focus on controlled, lower-scoring games.