The firepower of the Indian batting line-up has been on full display with their stellar performance on the cricket field. However, if there’s a team with the analytical acumen to counter this formidable Indian onslaught, it is the meticulous New Zealand. The Indian Express offers a strategic breakdown of the top seven Indian batsmen, divulging the potential game plans that New Zealand’s brains trust might devise to disrupt India’s batting momentum.
Starting with the cricketing maestro Virat Kohli, New Zealand’s strategy probably involves the left-arm spin wizardry of Mitchell Santner to constrict him for space. Ignoring Kohli’s historical challenges with left-arm spin, Santner’s track record against India in the last two World Cup encounters stands out. His economy and accuracy in Manchester and Dharamsala speak volumes of his ability to anchor the flow of runs. Following the initial Powerplay, should Kohli be at the crease, Kane Williamson is likely to hand the ball to Santner. The absence of left-handers within India’s top order could render Santner a pivotal player in regulating India’s innings tempo.
Kohli’s batting style in the middle overs, so far untested thanks to the openings provided by the top order, would come under scrutiny if Santner succeeds in restricting him. Meanwhile, New Zealand will have to tackle the formidable duo of Kohli and Shreyas Iyer—admired for his spin play—when pitting Santner against them.
Shreyas Iyer himself has a crucial battle ahead with Lockie Ferguson, New Zealand’s speed demon, poised to deliver stomach-churning bouncers. Ferguson’s pace and cleverly concealed yorkers make him a trump card with the ball during the middle overs. Iyer’s adjustments to tackle short balls will be challenged by Ferguson’s pace, which, coupled with the latter’s well-placed deliveries, could induce an error in judgment from the Indian batsman.
Suryakumar Yadav, another of India’s dynamo batters, may be targeted by left-arm paceman Trent Boult, who will aim to exploit Yadav’s vulnerability with full-length in-dippers targeting the pads. His tendency to flick straight balls to the leg side makes him susceptible to leg before wicket decisions. Against spin, Santner’s tight line and varied pace pose a different challenge for Yadav, especially when he is new to the crease. However, if Yadav settles in, New Zealand’s bowlers could be in for some damage control.
For Shubman Gill, New Zealand pacers are likely to aim for full-length deliveries nipping in as he has previously been troubled by such tactics. This strategy, rooted in Gill’s formative years on cement tracks, will undoubtedly be employed again. New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee have previously exploited this, and it remains a key focus point in the upcoming semifinal.
Ravindra Jadeja’s proposed challenge will come in the form of deliveries aimed at cramping him for room, particularly short balls targeted at the armpit. Despite his occasional discomfort, Jadeja tends to counter with aggressive shots, a tactic New Zealand seamers will be prepared for with the inclusion of a leg-slip fielder to potentially capitalize on any misjudgment from the Indian all-rounder.
Then there’s Rohit Sharma, the Hitman himself. The move to send him back to the pavilion early could pivot on Trent Boult rediscovering his menacing in-swingers and off-cutters. The strategy of varying seam movement played a key role when Rohit was outfoxed earlier in the tournament. Precision in delivery from right-armers like Southee could also challenge him with deceptive late inward movement.
Lastly, KL Rahul could feel the heat from Ferguson’s genuine pace and complex seam movement. His tendency to play away from the body on the off-stump invites risks. Ferguson’s deft length adjustments and subtle away seamers could very well outfox Rahul, provided they are delivered with clinical precision to exploit his vulnerabilities.
As the chess match between New Zealand’s bowlers and India’s batsmen unfolds, the intricate battle plans woven by New Zealand’s strategists will be pivotal in determining the ultimate victor in this high-stakes cricketing contest. Stay tuned for minute-by-minute action and delve into the comprehensive World Cup section for stats, schedules, and standings throughout the 2023 Cricket World Cup.