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regular-article-logo Thursday, 25 April 2024

India's chance to fine-tune plans ahead of World Cup

Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav 'understand' that they will have to wait for their chances in 50-over format, according to Vikram Rathour

Our Bureau Calcutta Published 15.01.23, 04:09 AM
Kuldeep Yadav on Thursday.

Kuldeep Yadav on Thursday. PTI picture

India may have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series but are unlikely to take the opportunity to experiment with their team combination as they look to fine-tune their strategy ahead of the World Cup later this year.

The in-form Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav also “understand” that they will have to wait for their chances in the 50-over format, according to batting coach Vikram Rathour.

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“They are not forced (to sit out), I mean, the others are doing good as well. As players they do understand that, and they need to wait for their opportunity, and they are preparing for that, they train hard and whenever that opportunity comes, they do well and hold on to their places,” Rathour said on the eve of the final ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

While Surya is the world’s No.1 batter in T20 cricket, Ishan came into this series on the back of his ODI double hundred in Bangladesh.

“At the moment, he (Ishan) has been picked as an opener but as a batting unit we are flexible and if there is a need to try somebody like Ishan in the middle order, we might have to. At the moment though, he is being looked at as an opener.

“He has great potential, he has been in great form, it is great to have him in the reserve, and hopefully, when the time comes, he will take that opportunity and do well for the team. It is great to have such versatile players in the team.”

India have had about 20 games (including this series) to finalise their squad before the showpiece event and Rathour said that was enough.

“I think 20 games are enough, if we can shortlist the players, the core we are focusing on. As team management we do understand which are the players we are looking to focus on.

“We have always been a good 50-over format team, just some areas to fine-tune and 20 games are enough to do that.”

India could ring in some changes in the bowling department to manage the bowlers’ workload. The only left-arm pacer in the squad, Arshdeep Singh, could get a look in.

Mohammed Siraj has made a big impact in this series, picking up five wickets, with an economy rate of 4.73.

Yuzvendra Chahal missed the second ODI with a sore right shoulder. If he is available on Sunday, it will be interesting to see if Kuldeep Yadav once again misses out after a Man of the Match performance.

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