Bangar Advocates for Continuity in India's XI Ahead of Final ODI
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Synopsis
As the final ODI against England looms, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar recommends that India maintain their current XI for consistency and stability, emphasizing the need to build momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Bangar advises against changes to the playing XI.
- India secured the series with a four-wicket win in Cuttack.
- Rohit’s innings was pivotal in the win.
- Continuity is crucial ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
- Maintaining the current pace attack is essential for rhythm.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) With the series already clinched, India faces a significant choice as they approach the third and final ODI against England in Ahmedabad. While there are expectations for the team management to make alterations to the playing XI, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has advised against unnecessary modifications, highlighting the need for continuity and stability.
India secured the series with a challenging four-wicket victory in Cuttack, driven by Rohit Sharma's commanding century along with a composed 60-run innings from Shubman Gill.
As the final ODI approaches, discussions have arisen regarding opportunities for players like Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, and Washington Sundar. However, Bangar, in a conversation with JioCinema, believes that India should stick with their current XI to keep the momentum going ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
“I don’t think Yashasvi Jaiswal needs to play. If it makes sense, you can bring in Arshdeep Singh or Rishabh Pant, but with only one match remaining, it might be wiser to maintain the existing XI. KL Rahul hasn’t had many opportunities to bat for long, and his wicketkeeping has been solid. Trust is essential,” Bangar remarked.
Rohit’s aggressive innings of 119 off 90 balls was crucial in overcoming England’s bowling lineup, allowing India to complete the chase with relative ease. Bangar emphasized the significance of Rohit’s innings, stating, “Rohit Sharma’s performance and his partnership with Shubman Gill prevented England from making a comeback. His intent made the match one-sided.”
Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina supported Bangar’s perspective, underlining the necessity of retaining the same lineup. “The captain and vice-captain led by example. Rohit struck sixes in various areas, and I believe he should maintain this intent in every game. Arshdeep might be an option if the team wants to rest Mohammad Shami, who hasn’t looked his best, yet I would prefer to see the same successful team,” Raina expressed.
One of the major discussions regarding India’s squad selection pertains to their pace attack. So far, Mohammad Shami and Harshit Rana have shared the new ball duties. However, as Harshit is not included in India’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy, speculation is rife that Arshdeep Singh could be brought in to gain some match experience before the significant ICC event. Nonetheless, Bangar argues that maintaining rhythm with the current bowling lineup is a more prudent choice.
Another critical point of discussion was KL Rahul's performance. The wicketkeeper-batter has not produced a significant score in the series thus far, prompting calls for Rishabh Pant's inclusion. While Pant remains a vital part of India’s plans, Bangar believes that a sudden shift could disrupt the team’s equilibrium.
