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The Indian cricket team recently stamped its authority, securing a crucial 2-1 lead against Australia in their five-match T20I series in Queensland. This victory marks a continuation of India’s impressive unbeaten streak since the last T20 World Cup.
Amidst the series buzz, former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has cast a keen eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in just three months. Ashwin has pinpointed two players he believes will be key targets for opposition teams: opener Abhishek Sharma and spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.
R Ashwin’s T20 World Cup Warning: Two Indians Under Scrutiny
The recent match at Carrara Oval, where India successfully defended their total of 165 runs, offered valuable insights. According to Ashwin, the game highlighted specific strengths and weaknesses, especially concerning how Australia approached India’s pivotal players.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin elaborated on his evolving perception of key threats.
“So far, I was saying that handling Jasprit Bumrah is critical,” Ashwin shared, “but I would now say, from what I have seen, Tim David handled Varun Chakaravarthy.”
He continued, emphasizing the strategic shift: “I am thinking teams will go for Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy if they have to get past India. Against Abhishek Sharma, we will definitely see in this series the plan that is made, and they will definitely invite that. Whatever teams are coming, they will come prepared for the World Cup. Similarly, against Varun Chakaravarthy, because that will give them leverage in that T20 World Cup.”
Why Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy?
Ashwin’s analysis suggests that these two players present unique challenges and opportunities for both India and its opponents. Their performances will likely dictate crucial phases of T20 World Cup matches.
Decoding Australia’s Tactics Against Abhishek Sharma
Australia’s bowling strategy against Abhishek Sharma in the powerplay overs during the recent match proved notably effective. They managed to restrict the dangerous opener to just 29 runs off 23 balls, with a significant chunk of those runs coming in a single over.
Curtailing Bat Swing: The Powerplay Plan
Ashwin observed a deliberate plan to negate Sharma’s aggressive style.
“Abhishek Sharma has been one of the deadly batters against fast bowlers inside the powerplay, against any bowler,” Ashwin noted. “Australian bowlers to Abhishek Sharma, in the powerplay itself, he made 29 off 23, of which a sixth over went for a lot. Before that, Abhishek Sharma was going at less than a run a ball. See, they had a plan to slightly reduce bat swing.”
Nathan Ellis’s Tactical Masterclass
The Australian bowlers, particularly Nathan Ellis, employed specific tactics to keep Sharma in check.
Ashwin detailed: “You will notice that Nathan Ellis hasn’t bowled any balls within the stumps to Abhishek Sharma. They have gone wide outside the off stump, and they also went a bit pace off to make sure that a swinging arc is curtailed.”
This strategy aimed to limit Sharma’s scoring zones. “Against Abhishek Sharma, he is not weak on the off side; he hits very strongly there. But they are limiting hitting areas by bowling slightly wider and also taking the pace off so that it can come a bit straighter. I thought they bowled really well,” Ashwin concluded.
India’s Rising Stars: Sharma and Chakaravarthy’s Impact
The prominence given to Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy by a seasoned analyst like Ashwin is backed by their current form and statistics. Both players have been instrumental in India’s T20 success during this World Cup cycle.
Their contributions are significant:
- Abhishek Sharma: Leads India’s batting statistics with an impressive 989 runs.
- Varun Chakaravarthy: Has emerged as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 43 wickets in just 22 matches.
These numbers highlight their consistent performance and why they are on the radar as critical assets for the Indian team, and equally, as targets for opposition analysis.
Conclusion: The Road to the T20 World Cup
As the T20I series continues, both India and Australia will be meticulously preparing their strategies for upcoming matches. The focus on key players like Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy is a testament to their growing influence.
R Ashwin’s insights underscore the tactical battles that lie ahead. How teams approach and counter these rising Indian stars could very well dictate the trajectory of the much-anticipated T20 World Cup. Indian management will undoubtedly be strategizing to maximize their impact while protecting them from opposition blueprints.
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