S. Badrinath, a former Indian cricket player and analyst, offered his thoughts on the team’s outstanding performance in the current World Cup of cricket, emphasizing Rohit Sharma’s leadership and the team’s overwhelming showing. Badrinath also discussed the balance in India bowling lineup as well as the comeback of spinner Kuldeep Yadav. In addition, he talked on Hardik Pandya’s absence and the strategy he thought the team should employ in his place for the match against England. Badrinath also clarified the cautious confidence around India’s World Cup campaign as well as the unproven middle order.
S. Badrinath discussed Sharma’s leadership qualities and his influence as India’s opening batsman in a special interview with Star Sports. “First off, he has excellent leadership,” Badrinath remarked. He has supported the appropriate players and adhered to the process. In particular, he seems to have a lot of faith in Shardul Thakur, and given that Shardul has been playing well and Hardik Pandya is probably not going to play tomorrow, it’s definitely time for that move to pay off. That alone is encouraging news.
Under Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav also appears to be flourishing. Their bond as captain and player is incredibly solid, in my opinion. In general, I consider Rohit to be a captain akin to a big brother. He gets along well with the lads and is laid back. Thus, he’s performing fairly well, in my opinion, and his batting form has been excellent. He has previously discussed it, stating that he will play well from the start, and he has been doing just that.”
Regarding Kuldeep’s comeback and the elements that led to it, S. Badrinath clarified, “There are two things. From a technical perspective, he has improved his run-up, which makes it lot straighter and gives his bowling more momentum. He’s also made improvements, coming in lot straighter now with his non-bowling arm. His air speed has risen due to these two technological changes.
He used to usually bowl in the early eighties, but now days he’s bowling reliably in the 85–90 km/h range, which is usually the sweet spot for spinners in one-day international cricket. I believe that with Rohit leading the team, he is feeling much more assured tactically. He’s being given the room to express himself and play bowling. Thus, these elements are benefiting him.
When asked if he thought India’s bowling lineup was the greatest, Badrinath responded, “I wouldn’t say best, but I would use the words ‘Most Balanced’, because we have Siraj, who is in great form, and Bumrah, who is a 360-degree bowler who can be used anywhere.” Aside from that, we have a wrist and a pretty excellent left-arm spinner, and with Shardul and Hardik in the mix, I believe this bowling team is arguably the best balanced in the World Cup.
In addition, Badrinath declared that he would substitute Hardik with a bowler, saying, “You know, Hardik is a big miss because, let’s be honest, he’s the key player who provides the balance for Rohit and Team India.” But, I personally want a bowler in there who can bowl 10 overs because I don’t see Shardul bowling 10 overs match to match because it will be tough. Therefore, I will be seeking to play a bowler, whether it be Shami or Ashwin. Therefore, I will go with a bowler since Hardik isn’t behind him now, but it was still comforting when he was.
“See, it’s a fact that India’s middle order has not been tested, but it’s not a matter of concern because India have been dominating and the top order is getting runs so can’t call it a concern, but a fact,” Badrinath remarked in reference to the issue of India’s middle order not being tested. However, similar things do happen in sports; being a really brilliant cricket player won’t get you in trouble.
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