Team India’s assistant coach Sanjay Bangar brushed aside any concerns left over the Indian middle order’s batting issues after the game against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Saying that the team management was satisfied with each batsman, Bangar said, “I don’t think so (that there is any worry related to the middle order). Whoever got to bat in the games, though not for a longer period except in the Afghanistan games, have done well. Hardik has played a role, Mahi has played a role. Rishabh got a few good knocks. They are all in good nick. As long as we are getting the job done, it augurs well for the team.”
He also brushed aside any concerns related to India having missed playing against New Zealand in the league stage and now having to take on the Kiwis after Australia lost to South Africa in its last league match on Saturday. “Its not too long ago we played a full series against them (New Zealand). We know exactly what they are capable of. We know their strengths. We are keeping an eye on that. When you come to England, there will be rain-affected games and that is not in our control. We will take it how it comes,” said Bangar.
India had changed its combination midway through the league phase by going with only one specialist spinner and boosting its batting line up with an extra batsman—Dinesh Karthik in place of all rounder Kedar Jadhav. However, the key to India’s successes over last eighteen months has been the six batsmen and five specialists bowlers combination with the two leg spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, taking control in the middle overs. However last two league games against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka saw India opting for only one specialist leg spinner and all rounder Hardik Pandya bowling the full quota of third seamer.
Bangar gave no assurance about the combination that will be opted for in the knockout phase of the world cup. “The sixth bowler eventually bowling a number of (a few) overs, and pushing Hardik up the batting order—these were the things that came up for discussions. The 6+5 gives a lot of balance and strength. That might change according to conditions,” he said.
