Mumbai: The ICC World Cup 2015 is barely 10 days away. While every other team is eager to lift the coveted trophy on March 29, the defending champions India are in need of some magic if they seek to retain the title they won in Mumbai four years ago.
While there exists a flurry of guides in Indian team management to help the Men in Blue, here are five things the Dhoni-led unit must not do at the World Cup.
Pick wrong opening pair:
Rohit Sharma has sealed his place at the top of the India’s batting. However, Team India must stop this ‘let’s build some mystery a la J.K. Rowling’ approach while choosing Rohit Sharma’s opening partner; when it is clear that it should not be Shikhar Dhawan who has struggled in Australia more than Afridi would while deciding about his retirement. The only other feasible option in this scenario is Ajinkya Rahane.
Play with Virat Kohli’s batting position:
While he enjoys playing mind games with the opposition, inviting them for a mid-pitch conference, and sends his captain in ‘Oh no, I don’t want to see match referee again’ mode, he has been India’s best batsman for last few years (England tour of 2014 being the exception).
Though the statistics suggest that his average at number four (61) is better than his average (52) when he bats at number three, Kohli looks more at home at one-down. And while his number four batting position in Tests is bringing in a lot of hundreds, that should not be a criterion to push him down for the sake of perceived solidity.
Depend heavily on part-timers:
Although fighting against injury and form, India have a ‘strong on paper’ pace attack. However, with team management looking uncertain about R Ashwin’s inclusion in the playing XI, Suresh Raina, Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu would be asked to roll their arm over. But as economics makes clear distinction between need and want, the Indian think tank must be using them only when require.
The supporters of part-timers and their effectivity may be quick in defence, saying ‘They can chip in with crucial wickets for the team’. However, the idea which worked during India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, is not a sure shot remedy for success in Australia and New Zealand where majority of the pitches are pacers’ best friends.
Drop catches in slip cordon:
Rahane, Raina, Kohli, Rohit and Rayudu are perhaps the best outfielders India currently have. However, Kohli, Rohit and Rahane have struggled to hold their composure and more importantly, catches in the slip cordon. With Indian bowling attack is short on firepower, the close-in fielders must be on high alert whenever the opportunity rises.
Find Dhoni in a patchy batting form:
Captain Cool, finisher par-excellence, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has done enough to enjoy such nicknames. However, India’s World Cup winning skipper looked out of steam during India’s tri-series fall in Australia. With India’s top order failing to find consistency (of good form) in the Australian conditions, Dhoni’s form becomes all more important.
