India look for solidity against unpredictable West Indies

Tags: WC Cricket 2015, India, West Indies

Published on: Mar 05, 2015

With three wins out of three, India have easily been the most consistent team in their World Cup pool so far although South Africa can once again lay claim to being the most dangerous. Having beaten Pakistan and South Africa earlier in the event, India would be confident of putting it across

With three wins out of three, India have easily been the most consistent team in their World Cup pool so far although South Africa can once again lay claim to being the most dangerous. Having beaten Pakistan and South Africa earlier in the event, India would be confident of putting it across the West Indians as well at the WACA in Perth. However, good form alone cannot guarantee them smooth sailing. They need to go out there and perform to outwit the West Indians. If they manage to play up to potential, there is every reason that India would celebrate Holi with four wins in four. However, West Indies can be brilliant on their day, and India would be aware of that significant threat.

So far in this World Cup, India have ticked most of the boxes. But, a couple of areas of concern remain. Although individually, both Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have got runs, as a combination they haven't succeeded in the World Cup. Rohit failed in the first two games, and Dhawan fell early in the third. It is imperative for the duo to give India a good opening start as that would be a crucial aspect for the team's success as the tournament progresses. End overs batting is also a concern. Even though India scored 300 plus in the first two matches, they fell 20-30 runs short of what they should have achieved. The likes of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja need to deliver.

An unnecessary controversy has raked itself up in the build up to the Perth clash with Virat Kohli allegedly abusing an Indian journalist in a case of mistaken identity. The news is all over the papers, and although Kohli is not new to controversies, this one coming in the middle of a World Cup was certainly uncalled for. It remains to be seen how the off-field distraction affects Kohli and the Indian team as a whole. In case, Kohli fails he is sure to get some brickbats from the Indian media. As the captain of the Indian Test team, it is crucial for Kohli to show some maturity. And, just when it seemed like he had learnt his lessons comes this latest development.

Moving on to India's bowling, the team think tank would be pleased with the effort so far. Not a lot was expected of them in the run-up to the tournament, but Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav have turned up well so far. Shami would be returning from injury against West Indies, so it remains to be seen whether he can regain his rhythm quickly. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who featured in place of Shami against UAE did not look 100 per cent, and he looks certain to sit out against West Indies. Mohit Sharma has been alright so far, and with Ravichandran Ashwin also getting among the wickets, India's bowling looks in decent shape for now.

The biggest threat for India would undoubtedly be posed by West Indies' unpredictably. Chris Gayle may have failed against South Africa, but if he gets going against India, in MS Dhoni's own words, little can be done. Marlon Samuels also got a century against Zimbabwe, and he has as excellent record against India. So India's bowlers would be wary of him. On paper, West Indies do possess a strong batting line up with the likes of Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons and Darren Sammy, who can also be match-winners on their day. Among the bowlers, Jerome Taylor has been in exceptional form, but he needs support from the rest. Of course, if Gayle fires, nothing much would matter.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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