Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the country’s current generation of hitters is good enough to help the squad reach the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Shastri was in charge of India at last year’s T20 World Cup, where the Asian side won only three of five matches and failed to advance to the knockout stages. India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, but has struggled subsequently.
With the recent emergence of Suryakumar Yadav and the re-introduction of veteran finisher Dinesh Karthik in the middle-order, India’s batting line-up appears to be more established after almost a year. Despite the absence of crucial pacer Jasprit Bumrah due to injury, Shastri believes India’s hitters can help the side reach the semifinals this season. “I have been part of the system for the last six and a half years, first as a coach and now as an observer, and I believe this is the best line-up India has ever had in T20 cricket,” Shastri said at an event here on Wednesday.
“Having Surya (Yadav) at No.4, Hardik (Pandya) at No.5, and Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik at No.6 makes a huge difference because it allows the top order to play the way they do.” Shastri, on the other hand, is concerned about India’s fielding, stating that the squad would need to improve in this area throughout the tournament. “Fielding is one area that India will have to pick up and start right away,” he remarked. “They need to train hard and bring their A-game on the field (in the opening game) against Pakistan.”
“Those 15-20 runs that you save might make all the difference because otherwise, every time you bat, you need to gain 15-20 runs extra,” Shastri explained.
(SOURCE : IANS)
