Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has suggested that India’s captain Hardik Pandya could have used part-time spinner Deepak Hooda more effectively in the first T20I against New Zealand, given the nature of the turning track in Ranchi. India lost the match by 21 runs, with New Zealand’s spinners performing well and restricting India’s run chase.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Wasim
Jaffer said, “India probably could have used two more overs of Deepak Hooda, given the kind of spin the other bowlers were getting. Even Kuldeep Yadav bowled really well, and Washington Sundar. All the spinners from both sides did really well. So, India could have used a spinner little bit more. Fast bowlers were far too expensive.”
Despite the strong performance of India’s spinners, with off-spinner Sundar registering figures of 2/22 and left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep impressing with 1/20, part-time off-spinner Hooda was only utilized for two overs, in which he conceded 14 runs without claiming a wicket.
In contrast, India’s fast bowlers proved very expensive in Ranchi. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh went for 51 in his four overs, with 27 of those runs coming in the last over of the innings. Skipper Pandya bowled three overs for 33, Umran Malik one over for 16, while Shivam Mavi conceded 19 runs in his two overs.
Jaffer also commented on India’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss, saying, “India would have thought batting conditions might get easier in the second half with the dew around, but there wasn’t much dew. The ball spun so much, they (India) wouldn’t have expected that. Overall, New Zealand did outplay India in every department.”
It is clear that India’s strategy for the match in Ranchi did not go as planned, and their misreading of the conditions ultimately cost them the match. While the spinners performed well, the lack of use of Hooda and the poor performance of the fast bowlers were significant factors in India’s defeat.
It’s a tough loss for India, they came out with a new squad and tactical plan, but it seems like it was not effective. The Men in Blue will need to re-evaluate their strategy and come out stronger in the next match if they hope to level the series. With a new captain and new players, it is still a learning process for the team, and they will be looking to make the necessary adjustments to come out victorious in the next match.
It will be interesting to see how India responds to this defeat in the next match, and if they will make any changes to their squad or tactics. With the series still up for grabs, there is still a chance for India to come back and level the series. It’s now up to the team to put in the work and make the necessary adjustments to come out victorious in the next match.
