Harbhajan Singh, an off-spinner, has stated that India’s lack of bite in the T20 World Cup 2021 has been both shocking and frustrating. So far in the tournament, only Jasprit Bumrah has taken a wicket for India.
Pakistan, on the other hand, crushed India by 10 wickets in the opening encounter of the T20 World Cup 2021. The Indians were then defeated by the New Zealanders by eight wickets, with Bumrah dismissing both openers.
“It’s really surprising that we have taken only two wickets so far in the two matches that we have played. I am disappointed with the bowling performance. We have bowlers who can deliver better than what they have done. Apart from Bumrah, Mohammed Shami needs to step up. Batters are playing Varun Chakravarthy carefully but we have to find a way to get wickets.” Harbhajan said
“If the batters are not taking chances against Chakravarthy, India can have one extra fielder inside to stop the runs. If that happens, batters might be forced to take risks. Otherwise, how will we take wickets?” Harbhajan pointed out
Varun Chakravarthy
In the two games thus far, Chakravarthy has a batting average of 0 for 33 and 0 for 23.
When asked what is wrong with India’s bowling at the T20 World Cup, Harbhajan cited a lack of wicket-taking desire as the problem.
He also mentioned that India’s line and length, as well as its body language, need to be improved.
“India’s line and length is a bit back. They need to pitch it a little further to get wickets. India need to have slips in place as well. When Varun Chakravarthy came on to bowl, there was no slip. They haven’t shown wicket-taking intent and they need to improve their body language as well. With this body language, it is difficult to win.” he said
“You cannot give up if you don’t claim wickets in the first six overs. Bowling sides have won after being on the back foot for 15-16 overs on the back of one great performance. That self-belief is missing in India and, to get that back, you need some magic on the field.” He asserted
To keep their limited prospects of reaching the semi-finals alive, India must defeat Afghanistan by a large margin in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Read more: Aakash Chopra has named his Indian team for the next match against Afghanistan in T20 World Cup 2021