The Indian Cricket Team ended the One Day International with a 66-run loss to Australia in the 3rd match of the series played at Rajkot on 27th September 2023. Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Siraj made an entry into the playing XI. Bumrah was the pick of bowlers with 3 for 81 after being hammered in the first 5 overs.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli showed their class with half-centuries but were unable to convert into big scores. They were not able to chase down the target as India was bowled out for 286.
Indian Team has two warm-up matches against England and Netherlands to iron out their flaws ahead of their first match to be played on 8th October against Australia in Chennai.
Here we look at the 3 Areas That India Needs to Work on Ahead of World Cup 2023.
- Middle Order Batting
The Indian middle-order batting struggled in yesterday’s match at Rajkot with conditions becoming tough to bat on. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli looked in great touch putting pressure on opponent bowling keeping pressure with their attacking mindset.
KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and other middle order must focus on scoring runs at important runs on wickets that are not suitable for stroke-making. India needs their middle order to fire with consistency that will help Team India post big totals or chase down targets against top-quality teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand.
- Ravindra Jadeja’s consistency with the bat
Ravindra Jadeja has been not in great with the bat in the One-day international format. The left-handed batter is looking out of colour hitting big strokes when India requires the most.
Jadeja’s highest score in the last 10 ODI matches has been 35. His form will be a lot of concern going into the World Cup 2023. India needed him to deliver the goods lower down the order and help Team India register victories.
He got chances to bat in the Asia Cup tournament but struggled to score runs. If India needs to give a challenge, Jadeja’s form will be crucial.
- Pick Wickets on Placid Pitches
The Indian bowlers must look to pick early wickets with the new ball if the pitches do not help the bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya should find a way if the likes of England, and Australian openers put pressure on the Indian bowling lineup.
India would be challenged if the new ball bowlers did not grab wickets with the new ball. Rohit Sharma and Co need to put pressure on opponent batters right from word go and make sure they restrict top-quality teams for chasable totals.
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