In the world of cricket, anticipation and excitement are mounting as the ODI World Cup approaches. Team India, under the guidance of the legendary coach Rahul Dravid, is preparing to make a significant impact. What sets this tournament apart is the return of some key players who have battled injuries. Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer are back in action, and their performance could be the game-changer for India.
Rahul Dravid Breaks Silence On Ravichandran Ashwin’s Chances In The World Cup:
Jasprit Bumrah’s Remarkable Comeback
Jasprit Bumrah, the spearhead of India’s bowling attack, faced a challenging period due to a persistent back issue. His absence from the team was sorely felt, but cricket fans can now breathe a sigh of relief. Bumrah’s return has been nothing short of spectacular.
In recent matches against Australia, Bumrah bowled his full quota of overs in both Mohali and Rajkot. While he was a bit expensive in the series-concluding third ODI, his presence on the field was a reassuring sight for Team India. This comeback follows his successful participation in the T20 series against Ireland last month and his stint in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.
Shreyas Iyer: A Formidable Middle-Order Batsman
Shreyas Iyer, the stylish middle-order batsman, has been in sensational form. Expected to bat at number four, he showcased his prowess with a splendid century in Indore. Moreover, he contributed significantly with 48 runs in Rajkot. Iyer’s consistency and ability to anchor the innings make him a vital asset for Team India as they gear up for the ODI World Cup.
KL Rahul: A Versatile Asset
KL Rahul, not only an impressive batsman but also a capable wicketkeeper, has put to rest any concerns about his fitness. He scored two half-centuries in recent matches, demonstrating his batting prowess. Rahul’s dual role as a batsman and wicketkeeper adds depth and flexibility to the team, a crucial aspect of ODI cricket.
Rahul Dravid’s Insights
Coach Rahul Dravid emphasized the significance of game-time for these key players. In a post-match interview following India’s loss by 66 runs to Australia, Dravid stated, “For all those guys, game-time was important. The fact that they have been able to get that is I think something that we are much better off for it.”
He also highlighted the contributions of other players, such as Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel, who have been instrumental in the team’s recent performances. Dravid’s focus remains on continuous improvement and carrying the momentum into the ODI World Cup.
Ashwin’s Inclusion and World Cup Speculations
Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the squad for the Australia series sparked speculations about his place in the final World Cup squad. Coach Dravid remained non-committal on this matter, indicating that the final squad decisions will be made in due course.
Preparations for the World Cup
With the ODI World Cup just around the corner, India expects its full-strength squad to assemble in Guwahati ahead of the first warm-up match against England on September 30. This will provide the team with valuable practice sessions and an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies.
The Bug Challenge
India faced some challenges in the lead-up to the World Cup. In a recent match against Australia, they had only 13 players available to pick the final eleven. Several players, including Shardul Thakur, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Shami, returned home due to various reasons, while Ishan Kishan missed the game due to illness.
Despite these obstacles, Coach Dravid expressed optimism about the team’s preparations. He acknowledged that managing the intensity in practice and warm-up games can be challenging, but he believes the team is on the right track.
Lessons from the Rajkot ODI
Reflecting on the loss in the Rajkot ODI, Dravid identified a key factor in India’s defeat. He noted that giving away too many runs in the first half of the Australian innings was a crucial mistake. “In the overall scheme of things, probably 350 was 30 runs too many. We should have been chasing 320 if we had bowled better in the first half,” he said.
The Silver Lining: Rohit and Virat’s Form
Despite the loss, there was a silver lining in the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both senior batters performed admirably, with Rohit scoring 81 and Virat contributing 56 runs. Dravid was pleased to see them back in form after a brief break. “We were on par when Virat and Rohit were batting. We needed one of the top three to get 130 or 140. In these chases, you need these kinds of scores,” he remarked.
India’s preparations for the ODI World Cup are in full swing. The return of key players, their remarkable performances, and Coach Rahul Dravid’s leadership have set the stage for an exciting tournament. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the World Cup, Team India is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.
