India lost to Sri Lanka by six wickets in the Asia Cup Super 4 match held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The Rohit Sharma-led side lost their second consecutive match in the penultimate over of the game. As a result, their qualification chances for the final appear bleak, for now.
Team India lost both the Super 4 matches that they played. They only have one match left, and it is against Afghanistan. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have two matches left, while Afghanistan too has a couple of games to play, to stand a chance. Meanwhile, skipper Rohit Sharma has a thing or two to ponder, as he gears up for the T20 bilateral series against Australia and South Africa.
Rohit Sharma rediscovers form
Of late, the Indian captain was not amongst big runs after being named as captain. However, the Hitman, as called by fans, was at his brilliant best in the last day against Sri Lanka. The experienced opener smashed a quick-fire 72, in which he carted five fours and four sixes.
Captain Rohit Sharma becomes the highest run-scorer for Team India in Asia Cup history. pic.twitter.com/nZIRxuWKcU
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) September 6, 2022
Rohit’s return to form is an advantage for India as the team steps up for the World Cup.
King Kohli is back to runs
Indian superstar Virat Kohli returned to form with a couple of fifties against Pakistan and Hong Kong. Despite failing to score against Lanka, the 33-year-old Indian batter is confident as he sorted out his form issues.
King @imVkohli gets of the mark💥!
First batsman to score 50 in this asia cup edition 🔥🔥#ViratKohli • #KingKohli pic.twitter.com/Py6UDI4I0f
— King Kohli GIF (@KingKohliGIF) August 31, 2022
It is a big boost for the team ahead of the T20I World Cup.
KL Rahul needs to step up
Indian opener, KL Rahul is a case of mystery. When he is in form, the Karnataka batter just dashes everything in his hitting arc. When he isn’t, he falls cheap, frustrating his fans and team management. After his return from injury, KL is yet to score a splendid knock.
https://twitter.com/kapildevtmkr/status/1567160301203898368
As the World Cup is fast approaching, the Indian opener will be under more scrutiny. His slow batting and lack of confidence in the field are at odds with the team, which is trying a fearless approach.
Lower middle-order in disarray
If the last two games are a sign, the Indian lower-middle order is not quite mounting up enough runs in the slog overs. Most of the finishing task is now entrusted to Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant alongside Dinesh Karthik.
https://twitter.com/RightGaps/status/1565750009207078912
However, the absence of Ravindra Jadeja because of injury is a big setback for the team in this aspect. This is an area where the team has to take some selection calls, as they would want their final overs to contribute some big runs.
Indian pacers are struggling
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel is costing Team India dearly. Incidentally, senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar could not deliver in the last two matches. Bhuvi’s strategy of not bowling yorkers raised several questions.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar playing for us for years, no need to judge him after two games: Rohit Sharma
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/dF8347gmVK#BhuvneshwarKumar #INDvsSL #AsiaCup2022 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/uG8EJFoTkx
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) September 6, 2022
Meanwhile, the third pacer, Avesh Khan, leaked runs and Arshdeep Singh, who was good in parts, did not pick enough wickets in the power-play overs. As a result, the team would hope that India’s experienced pacers learn from their mistakes and display an improved show.
The Asia Cup experiment is coming to a close. All the learnings have been done. Coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma have a few areas to address for an improved show. Fans and experts hope the duo take a cue from the setbacks and help the team reboot for the T20I World Cup.
