India reportedly aim to take the draw out of the equation and provide a much improved overall spectacle against a formidable England in their attempt to level the series in the fourth Twenty20, here on Thursday. The pattern of winning the toss and bowl was set in the series with the pursuit team coming home rather comfortably. However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has repeatedly insisted on the need to do well, whether they post totals or chase as part of their preparation for the T20 World Cup at home later this year.
In the two games lost after hitting the first, India struggled on the power play which impacted their final tally despite a batsman (Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli respectively) making a significant contribution.
This was largely due to the fact that KL Rahul was not among the leads, but Kohli made it clear that Karnataka batsman and Rohit Sharma remain their favorite opening combination.
“If you look at his stats over the past 2-3 years, they’re probably better than anyone in T20. He will continue to be one of our main batsmen with Rohit in the lead. We don’t have any. Concerns there- low, ”Kohli said.
The express pace of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer also made life difficult for the Indians in the first six overs. They were able to extract a bewildering rebound from the box, putting the beaters in two minds.
In Kohli’s words after Game 3, a third all-rounder alongside Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar can be drafted into the squad with the choice between Rahul Tewatia and Axar Patel uncapped.
Unlike the first game, Kohli’s sublime 77 ensured India had a few points to defend, but the bowlers hardly bothered the opposition batsman with Jos Buttler running away with the contest.
The team’s number one spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, has leaked whenever India sets a goal.
Hardik Pandya’s return as a versatile bowling player has been promising, but he’s yet to make a wicket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has kept things in order during his comeback streak, but the team expect him to make regular breakthroughs with the new ball.
Offie Washington Sundar was the standout bowler for India with four wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.95.
Although India is 1-2, no major changes are expected in the game eleven.
England, like India, also want to win in all conditions and will be carried by their categorical victory in the previous match.
Buttler is of concern to India as well, as he can in his day demolish any attack in the world.
Jonny Bairstow, who had a horror run in both tests he played against India, managed to boost 40s morale on Tuesday.
Promoted
England are now waiting for world number one drummer Dawid Malan to shoot.
It will take a special effort from India to prevent the number one ranked team from winning the series on Wednesday night. Hosts who win the toss should make their job less difficult.
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