WT20: It will take more than Kohli to win #IndVsAus
The Indian cricket caravan has travelled the length and breadth of the country before arriving in Mohali for what is a virtual shootout against Australia in the ICC World T20.
One look at the performance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side in the three league matches till now and it's clear it has not played top-quality cricket.
Losing to New Zealand in the opener was a jolt for the hosts on a sub-standard track in Nagpur. In rain-drenched Kolkata, it required a superb knock from Virat Kohli, full of authentic shots, to seal victory.
In Bangalore, the win against Bangladesh came after heart-stopping moments where the ability of Indian fast-medium bowlers to soak pressure made the difference after the spinners had done a commendable job.
Given India's good run against Australia in the shortest format, one may wonder what's the big deal about beating Steve Smith and co? The Aussies have progressively got better in the World T20 and the way they outgunned Pakistan in Mohali leaves no doubt they have found the right rhythm.
It seems like yesterday the Indians whacked the Aussies Down Under in a T20 series. But one must not forget that the Aussie side looked second string and they now have gained confidence by peaking slowly.
In Shane Watson, they have a star performer who is enjoying his last few days in international cricket. In such a scenario, the devastating player that Watson is could make a big difference in a high-voltage contest that Mohali could throw up on Sunday.
This is a match where the Indian team needs to play smart cricket. That seems easier said than done as the fluctuating form of most players in the side has put enormous pressure on Virat Kohli.
Yes, cricket is a team sport but such has been the reliance on one man - Kohli - one shudders to think what will happen if he fails to fire.
The problems for India start with the top order. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have not been able to give India solid starts and the form of Suresh Raina has been worrying.
Invariably, the pressure comes on Kohli, though he has relished the task of delivering each time he is required to step up.
For those who watched Australia pile on the runs against Pakistan in Mohali, it was a belter of a pitch. Each venue has two or three different "strips" and the temptation could be to use the one which may aid spin.
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| Nehra's been of great help. |
But then, the way the Black Caps struck India down in Nagpur with their spinners calling the shots, it may be hazardous to plump for a turning wicket.
On the face of it, the Indian bowling looks unsettled. Ashish Nehra has handled the left-arm fast bowler's job well while opening the attack but in recent times it's clear he has become a mentor or the bowling captain for the Indian team.
Given his experience and ability to deliver in the T20 format, the words of advice he has for bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya count for a lot. Then again, at a time when Dhoni continues to invent and experiment as a skipper, he has left a few things for Nehra to do with the bowlers.
Behind the stumps, Dhoni has been in sublime form and his stumpings have been standout.
People still want him to play the finisher's role to perfection and that's something he has to prove again, though the number of Dhoni baiters has only marginally come down.
The other day when he started on an aggressive note in the press conference after India beat Bangladesh in a gut-wrencher, it was clear that even Dhoni has an inbuilt circuit-breaker.
To talk of net run rates is fine, but on the eve of the big match in Mohali, the goal is clear: beat the Aussies and move into the semi-finals.
Before the start of the World T20, India had placed themselves as favourites. Whether it's the favourite tag not suiting them or pressure of expectations weighing them down, the inability of several star performers to deliver is the biggest worry.
The time has come when a collective effort is needed from Team India with batsmen and bowlers needing to fire in tandem. If that happens, Sunday can be a great evening for cricket fans at the PCA Stadium and those watching it on television. Go for the kill, Team India.
(Courtesy of Mail Today.)