New Zealand vs India 2019: 3 Things we learned from the 1st ODI

#2. Five genuine bowlers could be a viable option for India

Chahal impressed again

For years, India had been battling questions over the team’s balance with their apparent lack of a seam-bowling all-rounder throwing a spanner in their works. However, the emergence of Pandya accorded India freedom they hadn’t enjoyed for the better part of a decade.

Yet, with the all-rounder’s suspension, it seems to be a case of going back to the drawing board for India. In Australia, India were a little cautious and played Jadeja at the cost of Chahal. However, the former failed to inspire Down Under and was left out at Napier. The latter, on the other hand, made major in-roads into the opposition’s batting again, furthering his case for selection.

Additionally, Shami fulfilled his role to perfection. The pacer bowled with fire at the top and also came back to pick up a crucial wicket in the middle overs. The current bowling attack is missing its spearhead, Bumrah. However, the blend of wily pacers and skillful spinners has been doing the trick so far.

At Napier, India played Vijay Shankar as the fifth bowler and asked Jadhav to cover a few of his overs. Yet, one can’t help but wonder what damage a five-pronged Indian bowling attack could do to any batting line-up. Though the said tactic would lead to a notoriously long tail, the merits would surely offset the disadvantages.

If the Indian team actually takes up this idea is anyone’s guess right now. But, with every passing game, these bowlers are making themselves ‘un-droppable’. Thus, a five-bowler strategy doesn’t look as ludicrous as it sounds.