India skipper Rohit Sharma said that, at least for the USA leg of the T20 World Cup 2024, his four-spinners plan will not be put into practice.
The unsettling bounce offered by the virgin drop-in track at the Nassau County facility left India captain Rohit Sharma with a bruised right bicep, so he wasn’t quite happy about it. Even though the Indian squad won easily over Ireland, Rohit was forced to consider his approach to selecting the team for Sunday’s crucial matchup with Pakistan. The captain of India acknowledged in a conversation held at the post-match presentation ceremony that it doesn’t make much sense to have four spinners in the roster of fifteen players if the pitches in the T20 World Cup would be comparable to the one the team used in New York.
Famous bowler Jasprit Bumrah won’t mind the conditions, even though Rohit isn’t too happy with them given the squad selection. Such surfaces aren’t often available back home in India.
After hitting a bicep region blow to his right arm and missing a pull shot due to a delivery that bounced a bit extra from Ireland’s Josh Little, Rohit managed to score 52 off 37 balls before being forced to retire injured.
Yes, the arm is a bit painful. At the toss, too, I said as much. Not sure what to anticipate from the pitch. “I don’t know what it’s like to play on a pitch that’s only five months old,” Rohit said during the presenting ceremony, his expression neutral.
He did appear to be bothered, though, by the inconsistent bounce that caused the ball to kick from a distance.
Even when we batted second, I don’t believe the wicket calmed down. After his speed foursome had Ireland wiped out for 96 in 16 overs, the Indian captain said, “There was enough for the bowlers.”
The conditions were perfect, since three of his four pacers had played enough Test matches.
“Aim to regularly hit those distances. That is really all that is required of you. These individuals have all participated in several Test matches. The only other man who hasn’t is Arshdeep. His two early wickets helped us get going.”
Rohit has four spinners with him, but he’s not sure if they would be needed in New York at all. When India travels to the West Indies, the 4-spinners tactic may not be useful due to the local circumstances there.
“This is hardly a situation where we can play four spinners (laughs). We were looking for balance when we selected the team. We wanted the circumstances to be there if they are for seamen. Later on, spin would come into play (West Indies).
“Today was a four-seamer pitch and we still managed to get two spinners who are all-rounders.” The Indian captain is unsure of what will be available for the Pakistan match on Sunday, though.
To be honest, I have no idea what to anticipate from the pitch. We will be ready as though these circumstances will exist (for Pakistan game). This is going to be the sort of game where everyone of the eleven of us has to pitch in.” He was glad to get off to a strong start in his own inning.
“It was scratchy, but good to spend some time in the middle and understand what kind of shots to play there.” Bumrah clearly has no concerns about the circumstances, as evidenced by his stats of 2/6 in 3 overs.
“, I wouldn’t mind helping bowlers if it was available. You have to be proactive and adjust to the circumstances in this style,” he stated.
“Trying to follow the schedule and return to what has previously worked for me. In these circumstances, you always want to cover all the bases. You must have been organized; I’m glad today’s excursion went well.” Paul Stirling, the captain of Ireland, acknowledged that they had little space to risk their arms against the Indians.
We have to exert some more pressure on the Indian bowlers. It wasn’t often that they missed. They exhibited exceptional groups and lengths.”
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