The Indian batting lineup has been exhibiting exceptional form, but New Zealand’s meticulous planning and strategic acumen are well recognized. As India gears up to face the tactical prowess of the Kiwis, The Indian Express offers an analysis of the top seven Indian batsmen and the potential counter-strategies the New Zealand think tank might deploy to impede India’s progress.
Virat Kohli
Plan: Entrap Kohli with left-arm spinner Santner’s precise bowling
Experts have long discussed Kohli’s difficulties with left-arm spin, but it’s Santner’s performances against India that deserve attention. With figures that speak volumes, Santner has repeatedly restricted the Indian maestro. His ability to bowl a disciplined line and angle in to cramp Kohli offers New Zealand a strategic handle in this crucial matchup. Beyond Santner, other left-arm spinners have also troubled the Indian batsmen, and New Zealand will likely leverage this pattern, looking to Santner to dictate the innings’ pace and pressure Kohli to play against his natural aggression.
Shreyas Iyer
Plan: Unleash Lockie Ferguson’s bouncers on Iyer
Iyer’s revised technique will be put to test by Ferguson’s short-pitched deliveries. While the Indian batter has shown improvements in handling the short ball, Ferguson’s pace may still pose a stern challenge. A well-disguised yorker as an alternative further complicates the confrontation. New Zealand’s tactic of exploiting Iyer’s comfort levels against the bouncer could determine the course of the innings, especially if Iyer chooses to take on the barrage.
Suryakumar Yadav
Plan: Trent Boult to exploit Surya’s weakness against in-dippers
Suryakumar’s susceptibility to left-arm pacers, such as Mitchell Starc who exposed this chink earlier in the year, has been noted. The precision of Boult’s in-dipping deliveries might repeat the troubles Surya faces with full-length balls. Santner’s accuracy could also play a role as he engages with Surya’s tendency to create shot opportunities – a tussle of tactics and wits awaits. Again, the effectiveness of New Zealand’s ploys depends on the match context, particularly early in Yadav’s innings.
Shubman Gill
Plan: Target Gill early with inswingers from pacers
An issue as old as his cricketing journey, Gill’s vulnerability to balls nipping back stems from his formative years. New Zealand has exploited this before and is expected to revisit this plan, attempting to breach the gap between bat and pad. Previous deliveries from New Zealand bowlers have unsettled Gill, and the upcoming match will see them attempt to repeat this strategy.
Ravindra Jadeja
Plan: Aim short balls at Jadeja’s armpit
Jadeja’s occasional unease with short deliveries will surely be tested by the Kiwis, typically targeting the armpit to induce a mistake. A leg-slip could be included to catch any awkward pulls, as New Zealand continues to round the wicket against him. However, for balls outside off-stump, Jadeja remains unfazed and can effortlessly dispatch them for boundaries.
Rohit Sharma
Plan: Early movement both ways to unsettle Sharma
The key to curbing Sharma’s influence is to dismiss him early. Instances of Australia and Sri Lanka accomplishing this during the World Cup demonstrated his vulnerability to movement. Left-arm seam bowling could reintroduce this discomfort for Rohit, especially a well-executed nip-backer. Both in-swingers and off-cutters from the left-armer, as well as Southee’s late in-cutting deliveries, have the potential to keep Rohit guessing.
KL Rahul
Plan: Have Ferguson challenge Rahul on off-stump at high speed
Rahul’s batting prowess is spread across all parts of the ground, but awkwardness outside the off-stump can betray him. Ferguson’s speed and variation in length may induce an edge, compounded by any sideways seam movement. Clinical execution on Ferguson’s part is crucial, as Rahul’s finesse with the willow can easily navigate any lapses in line.
As the strategies unfurl, each will prove to be match-situation-dependent, with the outcome further influenced by the given state of play. Keep track of all the action from the Cricket World Cup 2023, including stats, fixtures, and standings, to see if New Zealand’s meticulous planning will succeed against the formidable Indian batting lineup.