ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Five things India need to learn from the first two games

It’s never easy for any international team to come into a cricket tourney with a lot of off-field baggage. The Indian national team has had to dig deep in its reserves of patience and poise in order to focus on a competition which is into its final edition. So far, they have managed to keep their concentration on the game and have secured a spot in the semi-finals by winning both their matches. While it is a remarkable beginning, there are a few areas which need to be looked at in order for the team to make winning a consistent habit. Here are some of the things which India should address:

1. Untested middle order

Suresh Raina needs to learn to deal with the short stuff

Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have been rock-solid at the top, sharing two century partnerships that have set the platform for the eventual victories. While they are to be applauded for their consistent showing, India would do well to realize that the middle order hasn’t been untested yet, except in the game against South Africa. The likes of Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja will have to step up and contribute more. While Jadeja has done well with both bat and ball, Raina remains a weak link for his side. He needs to come out of the IPL mode and learn to play the short ball properly; despite his statements to the press, the southpaw is still not comfortable with the short-pitched stuff. You cannot take skipper MS Dhoni for granted every time he walks out to bat. Every little contribution helps in reaching a higher total or bringing down the required run rate while chasing.

2. Bowling at the death

Maybe a haircut could help in stemming the flow of runs?

This is a very worrisome problem that India must address quickly. Bowling towards the end of the innings has been a perennial concern for the World Cup winners. Having controlled a large part of the WI innings in the last game, India conceded 35 runs in the last two overs due to a shoddy display from Ishant Sharma. Use the slower ball or the occasional yorker, and keep the deliveries full around middle and off, but do not fiddle with the length.

3. Use spinners to attack, not contain

Play for wickets, not for saving runs

The Indian team of the 90s had the same problem, and MSD’s young side is also looking to go the same way. Spinners are being used to curtail the flow of runs and push up the over rate, but that’s not their primary purpose. They’re supposed to keep attacking batsmen, unleashing their variations to keep them guessing. Accurate field placements give the slower bowlers a boost. India would do well to keep this in mind when they bowl.

4. Variety in the Pace Department

Irfan Pathan should be given a go in the game against Pakistan

All the three fast bowlers – Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar – are right-arm pacers. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to play Irfan Pathan against Pakistan. For one, he’s an adept left-arm bowler. For another, he seems to have re-discovered his swing, and he can be the ideal foil for the three mentioned above. However, if Dhoni continues to rely on part-timers, then Irfan will most likely miss out. A dead rubber with the subcontinent rivals would, however, be ideal match practice for the Delhi Daredevils all-rounder.

5. Make winning a consistent habit

Time to buck up and continue winning

The Men in Blue are on a winning streak currently, right from the warm-up games to the two league matches against SA and West Indies. Now, they must maintain the winning momentum going into the semi-finals, taking it one game at a time. Under the leadership of an ice-cool skipper, most of the new faces in the side have brought fresh enthusiasm and a never-say-die approach into the side. They must look to annex the last Champions Trophy title by maintaining an all-win record.

These are some really small areas where the Indian cricket team has great scope for improvement. Let’s just hope they’re able to make the adjustments in time for the key games!