New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) As India gears up for a pivotal World Cup journey, former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel shared valuable insights regarding the team’s recent batting failures against the USA and the hurdles posed by rising bowling talents. He dissected India’s strategy, player performances, and tactical adjustments necessary for future matches.

Discussing India’s top-order difficulties during the encounter with the USA, Parthiv stressed the need to uphold India’s bold approach despite obstacles.

“India must not alter their strategy at all. Entering this World Cup, India embraced a philosophy of playing high-risk, high-reward cricket. Indeed, it didn’t pan out against the USA, who were exceptionally prepared against Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. I believe the openers should persist with their current style,” he remarked during a chat with JioStar.

Parthiv elaborated on the weaknesses bowlers might exploit, especially against openers Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan.

“Abhishek Sharma should continue to strike aggressively, particularly the sixes we’ve witnessed over the past year and a half. Whenever deliveries are bowled around the stump area, he tends to clip them over square leg or creates some room for himself. Bowlers will likely target him with wider deliveries to keep him away from the ball, which restricts his elevation or power, similar to what occurred at the Wankhede Stadium.

“As for Ishan Kishan, I anticipate bowlers will aim to deliver as full as possible, like the ball that led to his dismissal at mid-off, ensuring he doesn’t get under the ball for the elevation we’re discussing,” he added.

Parthiv also commended captain Suryakumar Yadav for his composed innings in that match, underlining his ability to adapt to challenging conditions.

“Suryakumar Yadav demonstrated substantial maturity in his innings against the USA since it wasn’t a standard Wankhede pitch. It was crucial to take one’s time and accumulate singles before attempting big shots. It was evident that until the 15th over, there weren’t many massive shots, primarily ground-bound fours.

“This approach enabled him to unleash himself after the 16th over. Once he settled in, big sixes became evident. On such a wicket, particularly at 77 for six, adaptation is key, and Suryakumar executed his Plan B remarkably well. He is likely to approach this World Cup similarly, evaluating the situation before unleashing his shots,” he asserted.

Shifting focus to the bowling unit, Parthiv highlighted Mohammed Siraj’s commendable performance against the USA and the competition for spots within the pace attack.

“Mohammed Siraj thrives on the big stage. He had a point to prove, especially with Harshit Rana starting ahead of him. He got his chance due to Harshit’s injury and has been actively participating in Ranji Trophy and red-ball cricket.

“His six-to-eight-meter length is exceptional in white-ball cricket. Although his initial delivery was a bit fuller, more typical of four-day formats, he quickly adapted by reducing his length. This adjustment allowed him to achieve the necessary swing and variation. An impressive sixty-eight percent of his deliveries fell within the six-to-eight-meter range, a length that troubles any batter,” he noted.

On the topic of the preferred pace lineup, Parthiv emphasized the certainty of Jasprit Bumrah’s return, stating, “Bumrah will replace Mohammed Siraj. While Siraj performed admirably, India’s primary eleven includes Jasprit Bumrah. It’s beneficial that Siraj seized his opportunity and excelled. Should any of India’s seamers face issues, which we hope does not occur, Mohammed Siraj will be prepared. However, he will make way for Jasprit Bumrah if Bumrah is fit.”

Lastly, he shared insights on India’s middle-order options and their roles in stabilizing batting collapses, stating, “Certainly, Axar has effectively played the role of stabilizing the innings for India in white-ball cricket. However, if three wickets fall early or a similar situation arises in this World Cup, I would prefer Rinku Singh to enter ahead of Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. He is known for his ability to rotate the strike efficiently, take his time, and then unleash his potential.”