Their batting has finally burst into life but cracks remain in India's bowling armour as they take on an explosive West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal of the T20 World Cup here on Sunday.
West Indies' defeat to South Africa and India's emphatic win over Zimbabwe have turned this Group 1 Super Eights clash into a do-or-die contest, making it a high-stakes battle at the Eden Gardens. The winner will get a place in the second semifinal against England on March 5 in Mumbai.
India's batting revival against Zimbabwe was just perfect and long-awaited. In a rejigged line-up, with Sanju Samson returning to the top, all the top six contributed in unison. Making a comeback, Sanju scored only 24, but he deserves credit for lifting the tempo early and giving India a flying start. That aggressive approach settled the nerves of Abhishek Sharma, whose previous best in an uncharacteristically lean tournament had been 15 following a hat-trick of ducks.
The star opener responded in style with a half-century, while Tilak Varma flourished in his new No.6 role batting with renewed intent in his 16-ball 44 not out. India ticked all the boxes with the bat, posting 256/4, the highest total of this T20 World Cup, but that does not mean they arrive at Eden Gardens without concerns.
Varun under scrutiny
While left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was India's pick with a triple strike against Zimbabwe and Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have been clinical, it is spin ace Varun Chakravarthy who has looked a shadow of his past. The mystery spinner has failed to get his length right and appears guilty of experimenting too much.
His growing ineffectiveness hurt India badly against South Africa, where he conceded 47 runs in four overs as David Miller and Dewald Brevis went all out with a predetermined attack in a total of 187/7 before India were bowled out for 111.
Varun bowled mostly short against South Africa and when he tried going fuller versus Zimbabwe, the result was no different. This time, the seasoned Sikandar Raza toyed with him as he leaked 35 runs in four overs.
It remains to be seen whether the team management continues to back him or gives him a breather by bringing in left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has played just one match so far. Both have played a bulk of their IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders at this venue, and know the conditions well, though Chakravarthy has played more here.
Another worry is seam all-rounder Shivam Dube's erratic show with the ball. Dube leaked 46 runs in just two overs against Zimbabwe, including four wides and two no-balls in a 10-ball over. Gambhir's fascination for bowlers who can bat is well known, but Dube's military-medium pace on a fast and juicy Eden track could backfire against a powerful West Indies line-up.
The match will start at 7pm IST.
Also read: Rinku bowls over Samson with his ‘India first’ gesture
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