It was a series in which results did not matter for the Indian team. Some of the first-choice players had taken a break from the series leaving the players who were on the brink of selection, to stake a claim. These I think are the takeaway for India from the T20 series.
Rishabh Pant is not a middle-order batsman
India, especially, Kohli and Shastri made the fatal mistake of thrusting Pant in at number 4 during the 2019 World Cup. It proved to be a disaster. He was all at sea that too at that stage, he wasn’t even amongst the regulars in the Indian test team. Yet, the team management thought that it was wise to send him in at that crucial position. Pant neither able to smash the bowling nor was he able to rotate the strike and he felt like a fish out of the water. I will not blame Pant for no-show because he was inexperienced and in the middle of the World Cup. Nevertheless, 3 years hence, he still is not a middle order bat. A quick 20s and 30s from your number 4 is hardly what is expected. The then management didn’t know and the current management do not want to accept reality.
Pant is not the captain in the making
Pant’s captaincy credentials is restricted to one IPL. H wasn’t able to lead Delhi Capitals into the playoffs despite having some terrific hitters in the team. He did not cover himself with glory during that stint. Worse, he was involved in an ugly incident when he recalled the batsmen in one of the game. It clearly showed that he cracks under pressure. Captaincy at the highest level is much tougher than IPL. For him to become the Indian captain, he has a longway to go.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s flop show
Much was expected of Gaikwad after his exploits in the IPL. He is thought of as someone who will play for the country for a very longtime. He can still accomplish that but he will have to improve his game drastically. IN 8 games so far, he has managed just one score of 50+. Playing in India and that too as an opener, he had all the advantages but hasn’t measured upto it. Now, he would have learned the vast difference between IPL and international cricket and will be better off from the experience.
Shreyas Iyer is on a difficult wicket
He has had a fabulous introduction to Test cricket but his T20 credentials took a nosedive during the series. 94 runs in 5 games at 123 just does not cut it. Moreover, his weakness against the short ball is now well established. The fact that the World Cup will be played in Australia where the ball will bounce a little more, he may have done his chances a terrible blow.
Indian bowling without Bumrah
Indian bowling without Bumrah to guide them, is really struggling. On absolutely belter surfaces, they need the batsmen to score more than 250 runs to be able to defend. The spinners were ineffective if there is no help for them. Both Patel and Chahal were all at sea during the first and second games when the wicket was flat but was much better in the next couple because the pitch offered a little bit of help. This does not augur well. The absence of one bowler must not affect the bowling this dramatically.
Dinesh Karthik’s continued success
It wasn’t always doom and gloom for India. Dinesh Karthik with his stated aim of representing India one last time, showcased his belligerence once again. For anyone who doubted him after the IPL, that includes this writer too, he has answered them emphatically. The 55 in the 4th game of just 27 deliveries propelled India to a winning score. It will be safe to assume that without Karthik’s runs, India would have been incapable of posting a competitive score. He has more or less sealed his spot for the World Cup and in the playing eleven. He just may have edged out Pant if perception doesn’t play its part.
Ishan Kishan at the top
Kishan’s carefree approach at the top is a refreshing change for an Indian team that is hellbent on playing percentage cricket earlier on not realising that the game has changed beyond recognition. Though Kishan’s strike rate against the faster bowlers was less when compared to the spinners, I will certainly have him open the innings with Rohit instead of Rahul. Rahul and Rohit are the same types of openers and India will always struggle to get a flamboyant start. Last year’s games against Pakistan and New Zealand are a testimony to that fact. For India to post large totals, Ishan must open with Rahul in the lower middle order.
Kumar shows his class
It is a folly to write Kumar off. He often proves that with his brilliant bowling. He went for just over 6 in most of the games.
“Bhuvi was special in this whole series,” South Africa coach Mark Boucher said after the final T20I, “and he put us under pressure in the powerplay.”
I will want to see Kumar partner Bumrah at the top. The tussle for the last fast bowling slot between Harshal and Shami.
The return of Pandya
When he is fit and wants to represent India, it is always a pleasure to watch Hardik play. India will be happy to see him bowl few overs without any discomfort. He also excelled in the finisher’s role. With Karthik and Pandya, India does possess the firepower to post substantial totals.
Conclusion to takeaway for India from the T20 series
There were quite a few positives from these games for India. What will rankle them is the fact that on placid tracks, the bowling cracks. It is left to the batsmen to score substantial runs or chase one. Another thing is that who will be preferred? Will Karthik play because of his form or will Pant continue based on perception?