Umpire Chinmay Mehta from NSW Umpires Association looks at the strengths and weakness of the Indian team.
India has won the Cricket World Cup twice (1983 and 2011) and fans are hoping Virat Kohli and Co. can bring the glory home again.
What can the Indian cricket team taking part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 bank on and what will they have to watch out for?
An artist making final touches on replicas of the World Cup cricket 2019 Trophies. Source: AAP
Team India’s strength
The Indian team has the world’s number one batsman, Virat Kohli, the world number one limited overs’ bowler, Jaspreet Bumrah, and the best wicket-keeper and one of the most successful captains in the history of cricket, MS Dhoni, also known as “Captain Cool” for his leadership style in the crucial moments of the game.
In batting, India’s biggest strength will be the form of their openers. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma can play a crucial role on any given day.
Indian supporters cheer for their team during the Cricket World Cup warm up match between Bangladesh and India in Cardiff, Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Source: AAP
When it comes to bowling, Team India will be heavily dependent on Jaspreet Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar - world-class seam/swing bowlers and capable to bowl in any conditions while good fielding and strong supporting staff cannot be ignored.
Sometimes even home teams are envious of the crowd support Team India gets regardless of the ground/ country they play in. Strong support of fans inside the stadium will also motivate Indian players to perform well.
India's captain Virat Kohli, third right, and teammates, Monday, May 27, 2019. Source: AAP
Team India’s possible weaknesses
Can we expect hundreds or big hundreds from number 4 to lower order batsman? Batting is heavily relying on the top three batsmen, especially in high scoring games.
However, India has arguably the worst tailenders among the top teams, adding a lot of pressure on Dhoni and lower order batsmen.
India is missing a 4th genuine fast bowler; injury for any of the top three earlier in the game may make a huge impact on the game and even the tournament. Duke Ball, cold weather and small grounds may go against the Indian spin bowlers.
The X-Factor Hardik Pandya
Fast bowling all-rounder
Hardik Pandya was seen in great touch during recently concluded IPL and here in England, during the World Cup games, his bowling role will most likely be the support other bowlers need.
He can also play some quick shots and his ability to hit sixes on any type of bowling on any ground, can help India win a difficult match.
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Kuldeep Yadav – A 'Chinaman' bowler
Known as a 'Chinaman bowler', Kuldeep Yadav has an ability to bowl with lots of variations which can put many batsmen in trouble. Even though he can be expensive sometimes, with his wicket-taking ability he can turn the match in India’s favour.
Overall, Team India is one of the most experienced sides in this World Cup. And, many of the current players in the squad have good experience of playing in the ICC tournaments as well as on English soil, which will help them handle the pressure as they move up in the tournament.
The strong crowd support and a fan base like the “BHARAT ARMY'“ will also play a big role.
Kuldeep Yadav, left, celebrates with Virat Kohli during the Cricket World Cup warm up match between Bangladesh and India in Cardiff, Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Source: AAP
Team India has all the bases covered to make it to the semi-finals and it will be very unlikely and unfortunate if that does not happen.
** Chinmay Mehta has been an Umpire with the NSW Umpire’s Association since 2011. The views expressed in this article are his personal views.
