India has an exciting opportunity in the Asia Cup to fine-tune their skills in facing slow bowling. While the result of Friday’s Super Four match against Bangladesh may not have immediate consequences, the chance to play against all top subcontinent rivals in a short span is valuable, especially with the World Cup approaching.
India’s Record So Far
India’s batsmen have held their own against slow bowlers since the 2019 World Cup. Players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli have posted respectable averages, which is crucial as slow bowlers typically come into play after the first 15 overs.
India has recently found some stability in the middle-order, thanks to KL Rahul’s strong performance in the Asia Cup. Still, his average against slow bowlers since 2019 is modest at 26 per dismissal.
Pitch Conditions
Pitch conditions have played a significant role in these challenges. Paras Mhambrey, India’s bowling coach, pointed out that the pitch’s unpredictable behavior, including sharp turn and uneven bounce, added to the difficulties.
Notably, all four of India’s right-handed top-order batsmen, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, were dismissed by a left-arm bowler, despite available match-up data. This pattern of struggle is a concern.
Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir suggests that the struggle against slow bowling might be a mindset issue. He believes that playing the turning ball off the backfoot and closer to the wicket is the solution.
Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir suggests that the struggle against slow bowling might be a mindset issue. He believes that playing the turning ball off the backfoot and closer to the wicket is the solution.
The Path Forward
India won their recent match, but Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenges they faced. He expressed a desire to play on challenging pitches to improve their skills.
With Bangladesh fielding experienced slow bowlers, including Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Friday’s match is a fantastic opportunity for India to sharpen their skills against slow bowling. It’s a chance for India to embrace the challenge and emerge stronger as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
