In the 2011 World Cup, India showcased their prowess and emerged victorious, with three left-handers, namely Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina, prominently featuring in the top seven. However, since then, the number of lefties in the playing XI has witnessed a decline. Currently, the team management seems hesitant to reinstate Shikhar Dhawan, resulting in just one left-hander, Ravindra Jadeja, in the first-choice starting XI.
The Importance of Left-Handers
Earlier this year, during an ODI match against Australia in Chennai, the Indian middle-order faced a tough challenge from leg-spinner Adam Zampa and left-arm spinner Ashton Agar. These spinners took six crucial wickets on a gripping and turning surface, leading Australia to victory. Although Axar Patel was promoted in the batting order to address the lack of a left-hander, the move backfired, causing disruption among the batsmen who followed.
The motive behind promoting the all-rounder was to counter Australia’s spinners effectively, given the World Cup’s similar anticipated conditions, where most teams boast a quality left-arm spinner and a leggie.
In a previous game at Vizag, Mitchell Starc, a left-arm pacer, wreaked havoc by capitalizing on the repeated procession of right-handed batsmen. The absence of left-handers until Jadeja’s arrival at number seven allowed Starc to dominate and inflict damage on India’s batting lineup.
Striking the Right Balance
Former India coach Ravi Shastri emphasized the need to strike the right balance in the batting order by including left-handers. He suggested having a left-hander in the top three or four positions, if not opening, and ideally, at least two left-handers among the top six.
The Potential of Ishan Kishan
To address this balance, the team management could consider including Ishan Kishan in the three-match ODI series against West Indies. This would be an excellent opportunity to assess his skills and determine the role they want him to play. Kishan has demonstrated his abilities with an impressive double century as an opener against Bangladesh. His aggressive playing style, particularly against spinners, can create pressure on the opposition and align well with India’s aggressive brand of cricket in ODIs.
Assessing Sanju Samson and KL Rahul
KL Rahul’s recent form, coupled with his slow strike rate, has raised concerns. While he has been consistent in the 50-over format, his style of play may not align with the team’s aggressive approach. With Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill at the top, there might be a need for a more aggressive player like Kishan in the middle order.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson’s ODI career has been promising, averaging 66.40. However, inconsistency has been a drawback throughout his career. To put things into perspective, a more extensive sample size from his List A career paints a mediocre picture with an average of 32.40 from 115 games. In comparison, Kishan boasts better numbers, scoring 3,059 runs from 91 games at an average of 37.76. Moreover, Kishan’s left-handed advantage adds further balance to the team.
Having left-handers in the batting lineup can significantly impact India’s performance, especially in challenging conditions like the World Cup. Ishan Kishan, with his aggressive approach and proven record, seems like a suitable candidate to bolster the team’s batting order alongside Ravindra Jadeja. By creating a well-balanced batting lineup, India can enhance their chances of success in future tournaments.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nonu R is a valued contributor at IPLwinning.com, where his passion for cricket shines through in his writing. As part of the dedicated team of reporters, Nonu works tirelessly to provide readers with detailed updates from the world of Cricket. Whether it’s match reports, previews, reviews, or technical analysis based on statistics, Nonu’s work is characterized by its nuance and depth. He also keeps readers informed about the latest social media trends and incorporates expert opinions, ensuring a comprehensive cricket coverage that readers can rely on.