Things have been rather unbelievably easy for the Indians so far in the ICC World T20 in spite of the off-field troubles with IPL and spot-fixing. They have managed to clinch all the three games with authority to book their place in the semi-final for the first time since 2007, when they went on to win the event. MS Dhoni may have said that they were unlucky to miss out last time having lost just one game, but very badly. However, the fact it is they didn’t quite deserve to progress last time. The story is completely different this time round.
It has been India’s exceptional bowling that has brought them so far, the spinners in particular. India have been lucky with the toss, but the bowlers have ensured that the advantage of putting the opposition in is not frittered away. The conditions have been perfect for the spinners, and Amit Mishra has exploited the same to the hilt, buoyed by the success he tasted in the Asia Cup. It has definitely helped that Dhoni has shown greater confidence in him. After playing the supporting role, Ravichandran Ashwin came into his own against Bangladesh. He needs to continue the good work against the bigger sides.
Going into the inconsequential match against Australia, India’s biggest worry is the form of their two left-handers – Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh. Considering what has transpired in the last two games, Dhawan would be ruing the mistimed pull in the opening match against Pakistan. He was looking in decent touch until he played the poor stroke and gave it away. In the following matches, he has looked all at sea. Both against West Indies and Bangladesh, his technique looked awry as he fell early in the chase. India would be keen on him getting among the runs before the semis.
With Yuvraj, it has been a case of lack of confidence really. Technique has never been his forte. With his talent and exuberance, he has played around it, and has managed to overcome his shortcomings. However, in this series, he has looked a misfit at the crease. Wary of the short ball, he has not moved his feet with authority, which has resulted in some ugly looking dismissals. His lack of belief was evident in the field as well, as he has dropped catches he would have pouched easily otherwise. Not surprisingly, Dhoni hasn’t utilised his bowling skills.
Apart from Dhawan and Yuvraj, most of India’s top order batsmen have been in excellent form. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have registered half-centuries in the last two matches without looking in any kind of trouble. Dhoni also got some match practice ahead of the crucial games, coming in at number four and playing a cameo against Bangladesh. Suresh Raina was also sublime in the only match that he got to bat. With so much going their way, the main mission for India would be for Dhawan and Yuvraj to hit form once again. --By A Cricket Analyst
