Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja’s nonappearance from the ODI group is something Rahul Dravid laments.
With players like Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja unable to use their all-round skills at number six and seven; India’s head coach Rahul Dravid had no hesitation in admitting that the ODI squad needed to be balanced. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja’s nonappearance from the ODI group is something Rahul Dravid laments.
Dravid answered concerns about the team’s poor performance in the middle overs, both batting and bowling; KL Rahul’s growing captaincy career, and why Venkatesh Iyer isn’t considered a top-order batsman; after India lost the three-match ODI series 0-3.
“Yes, we are aware of the template. When asked if the Indian team should reconsider its 50-over template; Dravid answered, Obviously, a significant part of the template is also depending on the balance of your squad. If you’re being honest; some of the guys who help us balance the squad out and give us those all-round options at Nos 6; 7 and 8 are probably not here, and available for selection,” Dravid said; clearly referring to the absence of Pandya, who is working on his bowling fitness; and Jadeja, who is recovering from a knee injury.
“Ideally, when they (Hardik and Jadeja) come back, it’ll grant us a parcel more depth; and it’ll let us to possibly play in a to some degree distinctive fashion;” Dravid communicated his disillusionment with the series. KL did a great job. Dravid showered laud on his namesake’s administration capacities since he needed individuals; to get it that he might as it were do so much with the group he had at his disposal. “I think he did an amazing job.” It’s not simple to be on the losing conclusion of a decision. “He’s fair getting begun as a captain,” he clarified.
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“…..and he will learn, because a huge part of captaincy is ensuring that your teammates execute their skills; and that the team you have is of high quality. We were a little short on the ODI side of things; and I felt he did a good job, someone who; is still learning and will continue to improve as a captain.”
In the middle overs, better batting is essential.
There was no disputing that India’s batting struggled in all three games, particularly between overs 20 and 40.
“We could absolutely improve our batting in the middle overs,” Dravid observed.
“However, even South Africa, who batted first on two occasions, scored 290; and if I recall correctly, we should have chased them down in the 30th over in both of those games.”
“We didn’t,” he continued, without identifying anyone; “because we played some awful shots and didn’t play some smart cricket in important situations.”
People will be safe, but we will also want results.
Dravid isn’t one for naming names, but when he said Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant; when he mentioned demanding performances in lieu of stability and extended runs; he was clearly referring to them.
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In a relieving tone, he expressed, “We completely need to offer them that steadiness; and we need to provide them that security.” But at that point there was the rider himself. “…and once you provide them that consistency and steadiness; you’ve got to request gigantic performances; which is an desire you have got once you play at this level; after you play for your nation, which could be a must.”
However, the objective is to supply as much solidness as possible. He moreover cautioned individuals like Shreyas that there’s a part of competition for openings; so they got to put their hand up and perform.
“Whether you bat fourth, fifth, or sixth, you must be aware of the team’s requirements. Shreyas has entered the game quite early in each of the three games; and he has had plenty time to prepare (out there in the middle).
We know the men have done well, and we want to give them as much support as possible. They’ll have good tours sometimes and won’t be able to do so other times; it’s just the way it is.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of competition, and people are vying for positions; and it’s not easy in that circumstance,” he remarked.
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We’ll know what’s important, but we won’t be able to put a time limit on it.
The South Africa tour has been a “eye-opener” for Dravid; but he believes that the more ODIs they play in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup; the better understanding they’ll have of their combination and approach.
“I don’t believe there is a particular date or time period, and while a lot of it evolves; we already have a good idea of where we are.” At some point, we’ll know; and a substantial part of that will have already been communicated to them,” he said.