India will not reach the World Cup 2019 final with these current issues

[RainStopsPlay]

Not picking the tailender wickets early - I've been noticing this pattern since a few months with our bolwers now. We pick the openers cheaply but lose the focus and our key bowlers spray it all around the moment the middle order/tailenders come to bat. Wonder why bowlers like Bumrah & Chahal were too casual in yesterday's game. We made Phehlukwayos, Careys and Imads score runs and let it loose after perfect starts. Why are our bolwers not showing discipline and picking wickets after good starts?

Injuries to key players - Looks like Dhawan is already out of the tournament and unsure about Bhuvi's fitness. If he fails to recover fast, we'll have to stick with Shami and he's not as great as Bhuvi in death overs.

Replacement to Bhuvi - Who would it be between Ishanth and Saini? I don't see Saini with the squad though he was named in the Extras but he flew back to India recently. India hasn't named a replacement to Bhuvi yet. What happens if Shami gets injured too in the next game? You can't rely on the bowlers like Shankar and Pandya when you play against teams like England and Australia. There's Khaleel with the team at the nets but he's too unreliable and inexperienced.

Burmah's performance - Though he's been oustanding in the opening spells of all the matches, he looked off-color in death overs. Teams seeing off his 1st spells safely and attacking him in the death is the concern now. His speed in the final overs yesterday was in mid 130s and he was attempting too many things and lacked focus. Aamir is already a better bowler than him in this tournament with highest wickets.

Middle order of Shankar/Dhoni/Pandya/Jadhav - I don't see any of these guys making a quickfire/well paced 100 if the top order fails cheaply. Shankar is new and untested, Dhoni is past his prime, Pandya is hit and miss. Jadhav has to pair with tailenders and his fitness is too poor.

KL Rahul - Though I liked the way he killed his natural insticts and took his time to settle as an Opener yesterday, it's still a question mark whether he'd can score as consisently as Dhawan. His soft 50s are not gonna help in a crucial knockout game.

KulCha - If one performs better, the other goes missing. They're not picking wickets together like before.

Pakistan's poor performance has hidden all these issues in yesterday's game but teams like England would've thrashed Shankars and Pandyas to oblivion. Only Rohit and Kohli look in great touch at the moment and imagine if better teams get these 2 wickets cheaply. Do the remaining 9 players in the current XI have it in them to win it for Team India in a crucial knockout game/Finals? Will Team management include Pant in the playing XI if Dhawan fails to recover cuz there are no power hitters after Pandya in the current XI. Can Shami be as effective as in-form Bhuvi? I'm unsure about India's chances in reaching finals with these major issues. What are your thoughts?

 

[bujhee kom]

India, Aust or England. Always looked as such and still does.

 

[PakPremi]

Very good analysis - agree with every single point. Can we hire you as analyst for Pak team ?

 

[Napa]

Not picking the tailender wickets early - I've been noticing this pattern since a few months with our bolwers now. We pick the openers cheaply but lose the focus and our key bowlers spray it all around the moment the middle order/tailenders come to bat. Wonder why bowlers like Bumrah & Chahal were too casual in yesterday's game. We made Phehlukwayos, Careys and Imads score runs and let it loose after perfect starts. Why are our bolwers not showing discipline and picking wickets after good starts?

Injuries to key players - Looks like Dhawan is already out of the tournament and unsure about Bhuvi's fitness. If he fails to recover fast, we'll have to stick with Shami and he's not as great as Bhuvi in death overs.

Replacement to Bhuvi - Who would it be between Ishanth and Saini? I don't see Saini with the squad though he was named in the Extras but he flew back to India recently. India hasn't named a replacement to Bhuvi yet. What happens if Shami gets injured too in the next game? You can't rely on the bowlers like Shankar and Pandya when you play against teams like England and Australia. There's Khaleel with the team at the nets but he's too unreliable and inexperienced.

Burmah's performance - Though he's been oustanding in the opening spells of all the matches, he looked off-color in death overs. Teams seeing off his 1st spells safely and attacking him in the death is the concern now. His speed in the final overs yesterday was in mid 130s and he was attempting too many things and lacked focus. Aamir is already a better bowler than him in this tournament with highest wickets.

Middle order of Shankar/Dhoni/Pandya/Jadhav - I don't see any of these guys making a quickfire/well paced 100 if the top order fails cheaply. Shankar is new and untested, Dhoni is past his prime, Pandya is hit and miss. Jadhav has to pair with tailenders and his fitness is too poor.

KL Rahul - Though I liked the way he killed his natural insticts and took his time to settle as an Opener yesterday, it's still a question mark whether he'd can score as consisently as Dhawan. His soft 50s are not gonna help in a crucial knockout game.

KulCha - If one performs better, the other goes missing. They're not picking wickets together like before.

Pakistan's poor performance has hidden all these issues in yesterday's game but teams like England would've thrashed Shankars and Pandyas to oblivion. Only Rohit and Kohli look in great touch at the moment and imagine if better teams get these 2 wickets cheaply. Do the remaining 9 players in the current XI have it in them to win it for Team India in a crucial knockout game/Finals? Will Team management include Pant in the playing XI if Dhawan fails to recover cuz there are no power hitters after Pandya in the current XI. Can Shami be as effective as in-form Bhuvi? I'm unsure about India's chances in reaching finals with these major issues. What are your thoughts?

Yes, the intensity was not there in the way India played after the resumption after rain, but that was because they knew they had already won the game. They were asked to bowl 5 overs with the asking rate at 27.2, hard to motivate yourself in such circumstances. "His speed in the final overs yesterday was in mid 130s and he was attempting too many things and lacked focus." is totally expected.

Your post is a long list of things that could go wrong with the Indian team. The game is however about being better than the other team, not about perfection. One can make a similar post about every other team.

We have already beaten Australia, and the other team we need to beat is England. England's batting is strong no doubt, but given that Pakistan scored 348 against England, and multiple 300+ in the ODI series before that, you should be more worried about English bowling than "KulCha - If one performs better, the other goes missing.", "What happens if Shami gets injured too in the next game?" etc.

More likely than not, India won't win the tournament. It could be England or Australia who will beat them. But the bookies now have India as joint favorites with England, and Australia next, which I think is a fair assessment of the strengths of the teams.

 

[sshakir411]

India’s suffered a blow with Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar but they have enough bench strength. Kohli and Dhoni can read games well. India and England should play the final.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Apart from middle order (which was always the problem), Dhawan injury, Bhuvi injury others are not that big an issue. Bumrah was operating well within his limitations. He didn't go full tilt. You have clearly not seen Bumrah letting it rip when it is needed. He has bowled some incredible 49th over in recent times. I wouldn't worry about that. Even Bhuvi's injury can be handled with Shami. Real issue is Dhawan the massive iCC bully in ODI history missing out. It upsets India's balance so much.

 

[Mamoon]

They will. England is the only team that has a realistic chance of toppling them, so unless the they meet in the semifinal (which is highly unlikely), there is a 99% chance that India will be in the final.

 

[big_gamer007]

All teams have issues, whoever hides their issues in big matches will win..
Injuries have made it worse for Indian team but we can still win

 

[Mkumar825]

They will. England is the only team that has a realistic chance of toppling them, so unless the they meet in the semifinal (which is highly unlikely), there is a 99% chance that India will be in the final.

India most probably face Australia in semifinal ,but I still prefer England but not Australia bcz they know how to win big match

 

[Mamoon]

India most probably face Australia in semifinal ,but I still prefer England but not Australia bcz they know how to win big match

This Australian side is pretty average, and they are getting overrated because of the reputation of Australian cricket.

 

[Mkumar825]

This Australian side is pretty average, and they are getting overrated because of the reputation of Australian cricket.

No they are pretty balance side as compare to India .

 

[Mamoon]

No they are pretty balance side as compare to India .

I don’t see much balance in their side. Their bowling attack is nothing apart from Starc and Cummins, and they are struggling to accommodate Khawaja and Shaun Marsh in the same XI alongside Smith. I think they made a big mistake by excluding Handscomb.

Finch has been excellent so far, but apart from Pakistan, every team has managed to suffocate Warner so far.

 

[OmaIR1]

I don't see how India won't reach the finals.

The perfect doesn't always win the World Cup but India are pretty damn good when it comes to batting, bowling and fielding. That, coupled with their mental fortitude and never give up attitude is a recipe for success.

 

[austerlitz]

Dhawan will return for knockouts.
Bhuvi is out for max 3 games.Blessing in disguise because now we can unleash shami who is much deadlier .

 

[Hyperion66]

Only major problem I see in our team is that we lack that ruthlessness of the Aussies of 2000s, that relentless pressure being applied to the opposition from ball one to the last, almost like we get complacent with a few wins on the trot. It was really irritating to see freebies being churned out to Shadab and Imad during last few overs, I understand that the fate of the match was already decided by then still you can't expect such things from a team boasts of professionalism and renowned for executing plans to perfection. We should be chocking the opposition till it's last breath, we must not loose the grip irrespective of what the scoreboard says. No free lunch, no easy runs, period.

 

[austerlitz]

Only major problem I see in our team is we lack that ruthlessness of the Aussies of 2000s, that relentless pressure being applied to the opposition from ball one to the last, almost like we get complacent with a few wins on the trot. It was really irritating to see freebies being churned out to Shadab and Imad during last few overs, I understand that the fate of the match was already decided by then still you can't expect such things from a team boasts of professionalism and renowned for executing plans to perfection. We should be chocking the opposition till it's last breath, we must not loose the grip irrespective of what the scoreboard says. No free lunch, no easy runs, period.

We didn't push it because on wet field we didnt want any other pacer slipping and getting an injury.Game was done anyway.

 

[Babbar]

Whats the injury status with Roy? Probably not at par with Dhawan, but on his day Roy can kill the opposition.

 

[Sachin136]

Whats the injury status with Roy? Probably not at par with Dhawan, but on his day Roy can kill the opposition.

He's out for England's next two matches against Afghanistan and SL.

 

[Hyperion66]

We didn't push it because on wet field we didnt want any other pacer slipping and getting an injury.Game was done anyway.

Still could have been a bit more disciplined, it was weird seeing Bumrah of all people bowling loose ones to Imad.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Still could have been a bit more disciplined, it was weird seeing Bumrah of all people bowling loose ones to Imad.

He was trying out a few things. He barely put pace on the ball or any effort. No need. Bhuvi's injury happened because of the foothole.

 

[Hasan123]

India look like the team to beat for me. Egg on my face as I thought they would get to the semis but struggle from there.

Top 3 knows their role. Middle order can take advantage of the start they set. Bumrah and Bhuvi are threatening with the new ball. Kuldeep and Chahal keep on picking up wickets. They look excellent in the field.

Only India and Australia can challenge this Indian team for me.

 

[RainStopsPlay]

Wrote about our Middle order problems and the inability of KL's. They're clearly visible in the match today! Urgh! So frustrated seeing these guys bat like this against AFG.

 

[The_Odd_One]

England has ruined it for India. India will most likely finish first and England 4th on the points table that will lead to two difficult matches for India, semi-final with England and final with Australia (after Australia beats New Zealand in the other semi-final)

 

[Jeetlodil]

Semis is certain for India. Beyond that it is anybody’s game.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Dhoni is a jole

 

[BDfanforever]

Dhoni is a jole

I wonder what you guys will complain about if India wins the trophy. Indian team is fine the way it is, didn't they just blast 350+ against Aus just few days back? Only team that can challenge them is England, but seeing how England is playing I am not too sure.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I wonder what you guys will complain about if India wins the trophy. Indian team is fine the way it is, didn't they just blast 350+ against Aus just few days back? Only team that can challenge them is England, but seeing how England is playing I am not too sure.

It is not an isolated case. He is not the Dhoni we know. He is a shadow of what he was. His lunging against the spinners have become an All too familiar sight. He can sure hold his end without getting out against any bowling. But that is all he does these days mostly. Moment he is required to accelerate he goes AWOL

 

[latecut]

Every team has problems. If you think India have weaknesses, they what would you say about England, and about South Africa ?

India had a poor game against Afghanistan. But that does not mean that Indian standards are close to Afghanistan standards. It only means that Indians lowered their standards against Afghanistan, whereas Afghanistan raised their standards, and that resulted in a close nail biting finish. The fact that Indian potential standards are much higher were demonstrated in earlier matches against much stronger teams (South Africa, Australia and Pakistan) and as a result India brushed these stronger sides aside with comfortable margins.

That is how it is. Some people are looking at it like a half empty glass rather than half full glass. Other teams actually have their glasses more than half empty.

This Indian team is stronger than the world cup teams of Azharuddin, and may be Ganguly, in terms of mental strength and temperament.

 

[CricFan2012]

Every team has problems. If you think India have weaknesses, they what would you say about England, and about South Africa ?

India had a poor game against Afghanistan. But that does not mean that Indian standards are close to Afghanistan standards. It only means that Indians lowered their standards against Afghanistan, whereas Afghanistan raised their standards, and that resulted in a close nail biting finish. The fact that Indian potential standards are much higher were demonstrated in earlier matches against much stronger teams (South Africa, Australia and Pakistan) and as a result India brushed these stronger sides aside with comfortable margins.

That is how it is. Some people are looking at it like a half empty glass rather than half full glass. Other teams actually have their glasses more than half empty.

This Indian team is stronger than the world cup teams of Azharuddin, and may be Ganguly, in terms of mental strength and temperament.

Agree with everything here.

I still feel England will win the World Cup. If India's spinners manage to destroy England's batting like last time then India should win.

If I recall, Bumrah did not play against them in the series in England that they barely won, it should be a real test between the two giants.

 

[dravidthewall]

Indian batting is main issue.After dhawan blow ..i dont think india will win the world cup.Aus or england will win he cup.

 

[Ab Fan]

Dhawan is a huge blow for India.

If Rohit gets out early, Indian batting goes in tremendous pressure. Earlier, if Rohit gets out, India still had Dhawan and Kohli and then Rahul and Dhoni to follow.

Now, if Rohit goes, there is no Dhawan and all is on Kohli. Rahul has performed okayish but he is not a gun bat yet.

India needs to bring Pant in the XI to strengthen their batting. You don't need both Shankar and Jadhav in the XI.

Rohit
Rahul
Kohli
Dhoni
Pant
Shankar/Jadhav
Pandya
Shami
Kuldeep
Chahal
Bumrah

 

[AutoCrat]

Can you please stop with your Dhoni bashing obsession already? Everyone apart from Kohli struggled negotiating awkward spin yesterday. it's just one of those off days.

 

[Smbhayi]

England has ruined it for India. India will most likely finish first and England 4th on the points table that will lead to two difficult matches for India, semi-final with England and final with Australia (after Australia beats New Zealand in the other semi-final)

would be perfect if India managed to win...

 

[Smbhayi]

Dhoni is a jole

and Pant would have been missed that stumping?? What you need? extra 20-30 runs or a safe pair behind the wicket??

 

[RainStopsPlay]

Dhawan is a huge blow for India.

If Rohit gets out early, Indian batting goes in tremendous pressure. Earlier, if Rohit gets out, India still had Dhawan and Kohli and then Rahul and Dhoni to follow.

Now, if Rohit goes, there is no Dhawan and all is on Kohli. Rahul has performed okayish but he is not a gun bat yet.

India needs to bring Pant in the XI to strengthen their batting. You don't need both Shankar and Jadhav in the XI.

Rohit
Rahul
Kohli
Dhoni
Pant
Shankar/Jadhav
Pandya
Shami
Kuldeep
Chahal
Bumrah

Honestly, I didn't realize how much India miss Dhawan's presence until I saw KL's struggles in the last two matches. I'll take it if KL can play at least as half good as Dhawan.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think India will lose in semi-final. I don't see them winning the cup. Australia will probably lift the trophy.

 

[AdamM97]

Apart from Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah and KulCha, India’s team is average. These 5 guys will have to perform every match if they want to win it for India.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Loss of Dhawan has screwed up the balance