In the 2024 IPL edition, while the batters stole the show, it’s undeniable that the game was shaped by the impact of the ball. Amidst the high-scoring runs and memorable batting innings, some standout bowling performances significantly influenced the top-notch batting displays.

This article will delve into the top 5 bowling highlights of the 2024 IPL edition, shedding light on the bowlers who made a significant impact. 

1. Shahbaz Ahmed (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Rajasthan Royals- 3/23 

With Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team known for its strong batting attacks and high team scores, the absence of their prime-purchased spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, due to an injury was a significant blow. However, they managed to turn the tide in their Qualifier 2 match against the Rajasthan Royals, a crucial game that would determine their path to the final.

They relied on their part-time and all-rounder spinners to exploit the no-dew and turning pitch conditions. One such standout was Shahbaz Ahmed, who played a crucial role in scalping the Royals’ batting order wickets. With an economy of a mere 5.75 and having spin-handy support of Abhishek Sharma, they have triumphed a win over the Royals by 36 runs and made their way to their third IPL final. 

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) vs Mumbai Indians- 4/28

The Impact Player rule has been in action since the 2023 IPL edition, and it has stirred a lot of controversies among cricket fanatics and the experienced sports fraternity. Still, this bowling highlight is a prime example of how this rule changes the game’s dynamics.

When Chennai Super Kings set up a target of 207 against a swashbuckling Mumbai Indians batting order, Super Kings’ Pathirana displayed his pace skills and flummoxed Mumbai Indians batting order by scalping four wickets of just 28 runs, with a commendable economy of seven runs. This performance earned him the title of Man of the Match. 

3. Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad- 3/34

When the top Australian pacer, Mitchell Starc, was bought for a colossal INR 24.5 Crore, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s history, many critics gave their words on the costly and unnecessary purchase.

But during the Qualifier-1 match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Starc proved his calibre of why he’s the best in the business with his crucial performance during the game by scalping major wickets of the robust Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup, by taking three wickets of just 34 runs, at an economy of 8.5, with the swing and pace with the new ball being the highlight. 

See Also: IPL 2024: Top 5 best batting highlights of IPL 2024

4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 3/14

IPL has been a breeding ground for young and emerging cricketing talent, domestic or foreign players. With this season witnessing several promising domestic talents, one such talent arises from the pace bowling department. Mayank Yadav is one of the elements of Lucknow Super Giants’ young-blooded and emerging bowling attack, where his bowling speed has done the talking.

His first-ever IPL delivery clocked at a fiery pace of 147 mph, with other deliveries clocking at 155.8 mph. The speed gun displayed his pace and wicket-taking abilities in his second IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he had scalped three wickets at an astonishing economy of 3.5, leading the team to a 28-run win and earning his first-ever MOM award. Though his injury sidelined him for the majority of the season, he has a bright future ahead and is getting a chance to get his maiden international call. 

5. T Natarajan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Delhi Capitals- 4/19 

Hailed as the Yorker King, T Natarajan has been a valuable asset for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long period and has been vital in scalping pivotal wickets. This match acts as one such instance. Giving a colossal target of 267 runs against a powerful batting order of Delhi Capitals, T Natarajan provided some unplayable deliveries.

He took a triple-wicket maiden over in his final over, summing up his quality pace attack. There is a noteworthy mention of T Natarajan being the team’s highest wicket-taker and the tournament’s fourth-highest wicket-taker (19 wickets). 

Before Qualifier 2, Shahbaz Ahmed was among the least effective spin bowlers in the tournament. It’s hard to blame him, as the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League has been tough for most spinners. Moreover, Shahbaz has primarily played the role of a batting all-rounder this season.

In IPL 2024, Shahbaz batted in 11 innings, averaging 25.9 at a strike rate of 130.2. Batting mainly in the lower order, he provided several valuable finishes, such as his 18 off 18 balls in Qualifier 2, which helped stretch Sunrisers Hyderabad’s total to 175. However, his left-arm orthodox spin had been underwhelming. Before Qualifier 2, he had bowled only 21 overs in 13 innings, picking up three wickets. His average was a high 75 runs per wicket, and he struggled to contain runs with an economy rate of 10.7.

When Sunrisers Hyderabad ended their innings at 175 on a slowish pitch in Chennai against Rajasthan Royals, the pressing question was whether SRH could defend the total with their inadequate spin bowling resources. SRH had bowled the fewest overs of spin in the competition, with the worst average (54.4) and economy rate (11.3). Compounding their challenge, RR had been one of the best teams at handling spin, with key batsmen Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag having been dismissed by spin only once each throughout the entire season.

See Also: IPL 2024: RCB Review: How did RCB overcome their early-season setbacks in the IPL 2024 campaign?

Exploring SRH’s Spin Strategy: A Comprehensive Analysis

When Shahbaz Ahmed was handed the ball for SRH’s first over of spin in the eighth over of RR’s chase, Yashasvi Jaiswal was determined to lower the required run rate. Having started slowly, Jaiswal quickly accelerated, moving from 14 off nine balls to 35 off 18. He showcased his aggressive intent by reverse-sweeping Shahbaz for a six over third man. However, three balls later, Jaiswal attempted another big shot, aiming to clear long off.

Anticipating Jaiswal’s aggression, Shahbaz pulled his length back, forcing Jaiswal to mistime the shot, resulting in a simple catch for the fielder. This was a significant breakthrough for Shahbaz, who had only taken three wickets in the tournament before this match. Securing such a crucial wicket within his first five balls on a high-stakes night was a pivotal moment in the game. Jaiswal’s dismissal triggered a collapse for RR. They had been cruising at 56/1 after seven overs.

However, in the next five overs bowled by Shahbaz and Abhishek, RR could only manage 24 runs for the loss of four crucial wickets, including those of Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag. The pitch seemed to offer more turn than anticipated, with both Shahbaz and Abhishek extracting significant grip and turn, almost like wrist-spinners. This sudden shift in the game’s dynamics saw SRH’s spinners take control, causing a dramatic slowdown in RR’s innings and shifting the momentum in SRH’s favour.

The pitch certainly aided Shahbaz Ahmed, but his performance on a crucial night, against all odds, demonstrated that he is far more than a bits-and-pieces player. Perhaps having another left-arm orthodox spinner who could contribute lower-order runs in the dressing room provided some extra confidence. Head coach Daniel Vettori’s decision to use Shahbaz as the Impact Player, as revealed by skipper Pat Cummins in the post-match interview, proved to be a masterstroke.

Moreover, SRH’s decision to trade Shahbaz from RCB before the season, in exchange for Mayank Dagar, has paid off handsomely. Both moves have been instrumental in transforming the franchise’s fortunes, lifting them from last year’s bottom-place finish to the finals this season. Shahbaz has been an underrated yet vital contributor to this remarkable turnaround.

In a commanding performance, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR), earning their place in the 2024 Indian T20 League final. This victory highlighted the advantage of finishing in the top two of the group stages, which afforded Hyderabad a crucial second chance.

Rajasthan Royals, who had stumbled at the end of the group stage, repeated their mistakes in this encounter. This allowed Hyderabad to bounce back from their Qualifier 1 defeat with a strong showing. SRH’s pace attack started impressively, restricting and eventually dismissing Tom Kohler-Cadmore early.

However, the decision to introduce Bhuvneshwar Kumar as an additional Powerplay backfired, creating some pressure. Despite the absence of frontline spinners, captain Pat Cummins effectively relied on Impact Substitute Shahbaz Ahmed to lead in the middle overs. Ahmed delivered a standout performance, taking three wickets, while Abhishek Sharma chipped in with two, effectively controlling the game.

Rajasthan Royals will be disappointed by this loss, feeling they squandered a golden opportunity after a strong league stage performance. Sanju Samson led admirably, but it wasn’t enough. Yashasvi Jaiswal began brightly with the bat, but Kohler-Cadmore’s early dismissal set them back. After Jaiswal’s departure, key players like Samson and Riyan Parag threw their wickets away, adding to the pressure on the team. Despite a valiant effort from Dhruv Jurel, who scored a quick fifty, it wasn’t enough to rescue Rajasthan.

Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma shine as SRH secure final spot

Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head opened for SRH, but the team faced an early setback as Trent Boult dismissed Abhishek in the first over, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore taking an easy catch. Boult continued his impressive spell, dismissing Rahul Tripathi for 55/2 in 4.3 overs, with Yuzvendra Chahal taking a sharp catch. Boult snatched three key wickets, including that of Aiden Markram, putting SRH under pressure inside the Powerplay.

Sandeep Sharma added to SRH’s woes by dismissing Travis Head, caught by Ravichandran Ashwin, leaving SRH at 99/4 in 9.6 overs. Avesh Khan then took over, removing Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abdul Samad in quick succession, reducing SRH to 120/6 in 13.6 overs. Heinrich Klaasen fell soon after, tightening the Royals’ grip. Avesh Khan claimed Shahbaz Ahmed and a run-out saw Pat Cummins dismissed, restricting SRH to 175/9.

Boult and Avesh Khan’s early strikes in vain as RR fall short

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore opened for the Royals. However, Kohler-Cadmore was caught by Rahul Tripathi off Pat Cummins’ delivery, leaving RR at 24/1 in 3.6 overs. Jaiswal’s bright start ended soon, and with his dismissal, RR was two down. The loss of Samson and Parag further plunged the Royals into trouble.

Shahbaz Ahmed played a crucial role, dismissing Parag and Ashwin, leaving RR at five down and in dire straits. Abhishek Sharma removed Shimron Hetmyer, reducing RR to 92/6 in 13.4 overs. T Natarajan dismissed Rovman Powell, with RR at 124/7 in 17.4 overs. Despite Dhruv Jurel’s valiant effort, scoring fifty off 26 balls, it wasn’t enough as SRH sealed a place in the final with a 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals.

See Also: Fans applaud ‘lone warrior’ Dhruv Jurel against SRH in Qualifier 2

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s disciplined bowling and strategic captaincy led by Pat Cummins paved the way for their dominant win, setting them up for the final showdown in the 2024 Indian T20 League.

The game of cricket often hinges on crucial moments, and the Qualifier 2 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) exemplified this perfectly. At the heart of this pivotal encounter was Shahbaz Ahmed, whose remarkable performance turned the tide in SRH’s favor.

Ahmed’s Impactful Spell

As the match progressed, SRH found themselves in need of crucial breakthroughs to apply pressure on RR’s formidable batting lineup. It was then that Shahbaz Ahmed stepped up to the plate, delivering a spell that would alter the course of the game.

See Also: Jay Shah denies sending ‘coaching offer’ to any Australian for the Head Coach post

Key Wickets

In the 12th over of the match, Ahmed struck twice to dismantle RR’s batting order. His first victim in the game was Yashasvi Jaiswal, and then, in the 12th over, he first bagged Riyan Parag, who fell prey to Ahmed’s deceptive off-break delivery. Parag’s mistimed shot resulted in an easy catch for Abhishek Sharma, handing SRH a vital breakthrough. But Ahmed still needed to be finished. In the same over, he accounted for the dismissal of Ravichandran Ashwin, further denting RR’s hopes of a strong batting performance. But Ahmed still needed to be finished. In the same over, he accounted for the dismissal of Ravichandran Ashwin, further denting RR’s hopes of a strong batting performance.

Ahmed’s Contribution with the Bat

Not only did Ahmed shine with the ball, but he also made a valuable contribution with the bat earlier in the match. His partnership with Heinrich Klaasen helped SRH post a competitive total of 175 runs, showcasing his versatility as an impact player.

Cummins’ Insight

Reflecting on Ahmed’s performance, SRH captain Pat Cummins highlighted the strategic decision behind deploying him as an impact player. With insights from coach Dan Vettori, SRH capitalized on Ahmed’s left-arm orthodox bowling to gain an advantage over RR.

Pat Cummins, SRH’s winning captain: (on SRH’s turnaround from 2023) You’ve seen that in the way we played. The finals was the goal and we’ve made it. (Finding another way to win tonight) We knew our strength was batting but we wouldn’t underestimate the experience in the side like Nattu, Unadkat and Bhuvi. (Shahbaz as the Impact Sub choice) That was Vettori’s choice, he likes his left-arm spinners. (Using Sharma’s four overs) I felt there was a bit of a grip. (Total felt enough at the break?) Finals are always funny. These turn into tough chases. Needed early wickets and we got that. (Seeing how dew works in India) I won’t ever pretend to work out how it works. (Final) For the whole franchise, there are 60-70 of us who are involved, it is really gratifying. Hopefully one more.”

In a thrilling Qualifier 2 clash of the IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) triumphed over Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 36 runs at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. This victory secured SRH a spot in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), promising an exciting conclusion to the season.

Match Overview

RR won the toss and chose to bowl first, aiming to exploit the dew factor later in the game. SRH put into bat and managed to post a competitive total of 175/9 in their 20 overs. In response, RR’s chase faltered, and they could only reach 139/7, falling short by 36 runs.

See Also: Pakistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2024

SRH Innings

Trent Boult was instrumental in RR’s early success, picking up three wickets in the powerplay. Boult’s precision bowling saw him dismiss Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, and Aiden Markram, putting SRH on the back foot.

Despite the early setbacks, SRH’s middle order, led by Heinrich Klaasen and supported by Shahbaz Ahmed, stabilized the innings. Klaasen’s composed fifty was crucial, allowing SRH to recover and post a respectable total.

The deathovers saw a mix of aggression and caution from SRH. Avesh Khan’s brilliant spell included the key wickets of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abdul Samad. Despite these dismissals, Klaasen’s powerful hitting helped SRH reach 175/9.

RR’s Run Chase

RR’s chase began with promise but quickly stumbled as Pat Cummins dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore early. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson built a brief partnership, but Jaiswal’s dismissal by Shahbaz Ahmed shifted the momentum back to SRH.

RR faced significant challenges in the powerplay, losing key wickets. Shahbaz Ahmed’s introduction into the attack proved decisive as he claimed the crucial wickets of Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag.

The middle overs saw RR struggling to build any momentum. Shahbaz Ahmed’s spell was devastating, leading to the quick dismissals of Riyan Parag and R Ashwin. RR’s middle order couldn’t withstand the pressure, leading to a collapse.

Despite efforts from Rovman Powell and Dhruv Jurel, RR couldn’t bridge the gap. Needing 42 runs in the final over, RR managed only 5, resulting in a comprehensive 36-run victory for SRH.

Player Performances

Standout Performers

• Shahbaz Ahmed: His three wickets were pivotal in dismantling RR’s batting lineup.
• Heinrich Klaasen: A crucial fifty that stabilized SRH’s innings.
• Trent Boult: Early breakthroughs that set the tone for RR’s bowling effort.

With this victory, SRH moves on to face KKR in the final. Both teams have shown remarkable form, and the final promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown at the same venue, expecting high-octane action.

Six of the eight IPL playoff matches in Chennai have been won by the team batting first.

Most defeats in IPL playoffs
10 – RCB (16 matches)
9 – CSK (26 matches)
9 – DC (11 matches)
7 – MI (20 matches)
7 – SRH (16 matches)
6 – RR (11 matches)*

Most appearances in the IPL final
10 – CSK
6 – MI
4 – KKR
3 – RCB
3 – SRH*

Captains with the most wickets in an IPL season
19 – Shane Warne (RR, 2008)
17 – Pat Cummins (SRH, 2024)*
17 – Anil Kumble (RCB, 2010)
15 – Ravichandran Ashwin (PBKS, 2019)
14 – Shane Warne (RR, 2009)

Best bowling figures for SRH in IPL playoffs
3/19 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs KKR, Delhi, 2016
3/19 – Rashid Khan vs KKR, Kolkata, 2018
3/23 – Shahbaz Ahmed vs RR, Chennai, 2024*
3/25 – Jason Holder vs RCB, Abu Dhabi, 2020

Most wickets to spin in an innings in IPL 2024
7/75(13) – GT vs PBKS, Mullanpur
5/57(9) – SRH vs RR, Chennai
5/125(10) – DC vs SRH, Delhi
5/92(9) – RCB vs SRH, Hyderabad

With a target of 176 to chase, RR’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore took the field. Bhuvneshwar Kumar opened the bowling for SRH, adding immediate pressure on the batters with his precision.

Early Setbacks for RR

The run chase began on a shaky note for RR. Shahbaz Ahmed, known for his economical bowling, struck thrice to derail their innings. Jaiswal, who looked dangerous with a quick 42, was the first to fall, miscuing a lofted shot to Abdul Samad. This was followed by the dismissals of Riyan Parag and R Ashwin, who were both sent back cheaply by Ahmed.

See Also: IPL 2024: Trent Boult and Avesh Khan restrict SRH from scoring big in Qualifier 2

Middle Order Collapse

Shahbaz Ahmed’s exceptional bowling left RR struggling to stabilize their innings. His spell of 4 overs, yielding 3 wickets for just 23 runs, was instrumental in putting RR on the back foot. The middle order could not build any significant partnerships, leading to a rapid decline in their run rate.

Key Moments in RR’s Innings

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive start gave RR hope, but his dismissal marked a turning point. The middle-order collapse, triggered by Ahmed’s triple strike, further compounded their problems. Despite efforts to rebuild, RR found it difficult to recover from the early blows.

Fielding Brilliance by SRH

SRH’s fielding was top-notch, with crucial catches and sharp ground fielding making a significant impact. Abdul Samad’s catch to dismiss Jaiswal and Klaasen’s effort to send Ashwin back were pivotal moments that tilted the game in SRH’s favor.

It is wonderful to witness the impact made by impact players, and that’s precisely what Shahbaz Ahmed achieved in the Qualifier 2.

Rajasthan Royals need 48 runs in 11 balls to win the match.

Bengal Cricketer Shahbaz Ahmed Faces Potential Backlash for Social Media Post Ahead of IPL Stint with SRH

Renowned spin-bowling all-rounder, Shahbaz Ahmed, is embarking on a new chapter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is set to join Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after being traded by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2023 season. Having initiated his IPL journey with RCB in 2020 and subsequently being reacquired by the team for Rs 2.4 crores in the 2022 mega auction, Ahmed played 39 matches for RCB, claiming 14 wickets with his best bowling figures recorded at 3/7.

Despite his impressive track record with RCB, the franchise opted to part ways with Shahbaz Ahmed after IPL 2023, trading him to SRH in exchange for his current fee. As he eagerly anticipates his debut season with SRH, Ahmed’s recent social media activity has stirred controversy. His Instagram bio, which reads ‘RCB > SRH,’ has sparked concerns of potential criticism from SRH fans.

Shahbaz Ahmed’s Bio on Instagram:

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is determined to make a strong comeback in IPL 2024 following lackluster performances in recent seasons. Since 2020, the team has been unable to progress beyond the league stage. Notably, SRH exhibited exceptional performance between 2016 and 2020, securing an IPL title, a runner-up position, and qualifying for the playoffs thrice during this successful period.

However, their fortunes took a downturn in the last three seasons. In 2021 and 2022, they finished in the eighth position, followed by a disappointing tenth-place finish in IPL 2023. Despite a change in captaincy for the 2023 season, the team failed to achieve the desired impact and ended up at the bottom of the table.

Regarding RCB, their quest for an elusive IPL title continues. Despite commendable performances in recent seasons, the Bengaluru-based team has fallen short of clinching the championship. Qualifying for the playoffs three times consecutively from 2020 to 2022, they, unfortunately, couldn’t progress beyond the playoff stage. In the previous season, RCB concluded at the sixth position, and their focus now shifts to enhancing their performance in IPL 2024.

Squad of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2024:

Abdul Samad, Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram (c), Marco Jansen, Rahul Tripathi, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Sanvir Singh, Heinrich Klaasen, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mayank Agarwal, T. Natarajan, Anmolpreet Singh, Mayank Markande, Upendra Singh Yadav, Umran Malik, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Travis Head, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pat Cummins, Jaydev Unadkat, Akash Singh, Jhathavedh Subramanyan.

SEE ALSO:Record-breaking Deal: PSL Global Media Rights Fetch PKR 1.26 Billion

As the deadline for retention and trading in the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches its close, there has been a notable uptick in activity, particularly in a trade between two southern franchises, SunRisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Amidst ongoing speculation about the anticipated trade of Hardik Pandya, As per Cricbuzz reports SRH has formally traded Mayank Dagar to RCB in exchange for Shahbaz Ahmed.

Mayank Dagar, a 27-year-old all-rounder from Delhi, was acquired by SunRisers Hyderabad for Rs 1.8 crore last year. In return, they have secured Shahbaz Ahmed, a 28-year-old left-handed all-rounder from Bengal, who was initially picked up by RCB in the 2022 auction for Rs 2.4 crore.

Dagar played three games for SRH in the previous season without making significant contributions, while Shahbaz, in an IPL career spanning 39 games, featured in 10 matches for RCB last season without notable success.

BCCI sources have indicated this trade, with an official announcement expected by Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Shahbaz Ahmed Joins SRH as Mayank Dagar Heads to RCB in Latest IPL Trade

In the meantime, speculation surrounds RCB’s potential exclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga and Harshal Patel for the upcoming season. However, this information remains unverified independently, and a source familiar with the matter has stated that a final decision has not been reached, emphasizing that the franchise will not respond to speculative reports.

Regarding SRH, limited information is available about its retention and releases. With a new coach, Daniel Vettori, the team’s planning may take a different direction. Speculation persists about the potential release of Harry Brook.

See Also:BCCI Announces India Squad for ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup

Some observers believe that, given England’s upcoming five Tests in India in February-March, the English batter may acclimatize to Indian conditions, rendering his role in the middle order valuable. Brook, acquired for Rs 13.25 crore, participated in 11 games last season, managing to score only 190 runs, including an unbeaten 100, translating to just 90 runs in the remaining 10 games.

After losing a nailbiting contest against Bangladesh in the first of the three-match ODI series. Rohit and his men will be looking to review the batting options at his disposal. Axar Patel is to come in for Shabaz Ahmed to add more experience in the clutch moments and Kuldeep Sen is to be replaced by another young quick Umran Malik to add. With Rishabh Pant out of the series through an injury Sanju Samson has been added to the squad. KL Rahul has kept wickets in the first game so it is unlikely to see any changes in that department.

Iyer’s short ball continues. On Sunday he was out for the short ball again when Ebadot kept bowling an array of the short ball and piled pressure on Iyer. The right-hander eventually succumbed to the pressure. However, Iyer has been the most in-form ODI batter for India in 2022. He scored 639 runs at an average of 58.33 this year. He alsogside Virat Kohli and Rahul looks like a solid middle order. India needs to get good solid quick starts. Apart from the opening stand against New Zealand at Auckland Indian openings have been below par this year in the ODIs.

Also Read: Hrishikesh Kanitkar appointed as IND-W sr. batting coach

India’s Loss To Bangladesh, It’s Not KL Rahul’s Dropped Catch

Shikar Dhawan’s strike rate is on a study decline in ODIs.He is striking at 75 in 20 ODIs this year with a mediocre average of 38. Skippers’ poor run of form for a long time. This makes India vulnerable at the top. India needs to sort out a combination that can work for the World Cup. KL Rahul, who was entrusted with keeping duties to fit him and another veteran Shikhar Dhawan in the same XI, dropped an aerial sitter from Miraj when Bangladesh still needed 32 runs.

“The bowlers did wonderfully well, to get themselves in a position where they were 136-9. And then Hasan Miraj came, they had a bit of luck with that drop catch, but he played really well. He played sensibly. They took the attack to the opposition and played some bold shots. “When you are ask to chase less than four runs an over. Bangladesh to chase, automatically, the pressure comes down. Bangladesh made it difficult for themselves by playing ultra-cautiously. That’s what got them into trouble. I think India didn’t score 70-80 more runs is the reason why they lost,” added Gavaskar.

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan said in absence of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal from the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. He would pick Axar Patel for Sunday’s first match of the series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka. Axar Patel had a forgettable time in the T20 World Cup in Australia, going for 8.62 runs per over. Took only three wickets in the tournament. With Ravindra Jadeja unavailable for the ODIs due to injury and no Kuldeep-Chahal around. Patel could look to be the lead spinner alongside Washington Sundar for ODIs against Bangladesh.

“I would pick Axar as he’s got the ability to bat, is aware of the match situation, and doesn’t get under pressure most of the time. But somebody like Shahbaz (Ahmed, fellow left-arm spin all-rounder), you might think, yes Bangladesh. But don’t take them lightly as one knows what happened in 2007,” he said to IANS in an exclusive interaction organised by Sony Sports Network. Interestingly, both India and Bangladesh haven’t picked a specialist wrist-spinner for the upcoming ODI series.

Also Read: BAN vs IND: Injured Shami ruled out of ODIs against Bangladesh, doubtful for Tests

Axar needs to know what he is for and work out accordingly

Both Kuldeep and Chahal used to be automatic picks for India till they proved to be very expensive against England in the league stage. Since then, their ODI careers have gone in different directions. “As far as Kuldeep and Chahal are concerned, Kuldeep cried after he was carted all over the park (by Moeen Ali for 26 runs off five balls in IPL 2019) and everyone went after him post that point in the game. As the batters went after him, they hit a couple of sixes and put his morale down. About Chahal, how much success he has been in the 50-over format in the recent past? You can be economical in the middle overs like I spoke about Washington Sundar,” added Sivaramakrishnan.

He also cited an example from his playing days, where he tried to highlight how India need to show trust in the skills of Kuldeep and Chahal in ODIs to get wickets in middle overs. “When I played World Championship of Cricket in 1985, Sunil Gavaskar gave me the license and said, ‘go bowl ten overs, even if you give 50-55 runs’. That was very expensive at that point in time and he said, ‘I want two-three-four wickets from you. Ravi (Shastri) will bowl with you in tandem and he will keep it tight and create that pressure. I want you to bowl for four wickets’.”

“Between mine and Ravi’s ten overs, he would say that between 20 overs from both of you, I want 100 runs and four or five wickets. I worked to break the backbone of the opposition and that happened. It was a plan, and it happened from match number one till the finals. Apart from finals, we got every team all out under 50 overs. You need good planning, and skills and need to trust a cricketer to get you wickets. No matter how many runs you give these days, batsmen will chase it.”