With the series already wrapped up, India will look for an upswing in their spinners’ performance as they aim to stretch their complete dominance over New Zealand in the fourth T20I in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
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The explosive batting displays from Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, which have powered India to an unassailable 3–0 lead, have so far overshadowed the below-par outings of two frontline spinners: Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
Kuldeep has managed just two wickets in as many matches and has been far from his usual menacing self, conceding runs at an economy of 9.5. The left-arm wrist-spinner leaked 32 runs across three expensive overs even as India restricted New Zealand to 153 for 9, thanks largely to outstanding spells from Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi and Hardik Pandya.
His struggles have extended from the preceding ODI series as well, where he picked up three wickets in three games while going at 7.28 an over.
Chakravarthy, who was rested for the third T20I, presents a slightly different case, having bowled in two high-scoring encounters where the visitors piled up 190 and 208. However, the mystery spinner has lacked his usual bite and zip. The brief break might have helped him recharge.
India may now deliberate whether to persist with Bishnoi, who returned figures of 4-0-18-2 at Guwahati, and bring Chakravarthy back in place of Kuldeep to give the latter some breathing space.
The team management will also closely monitor the fitness of Axar Patel, who has been sidelined since the opening match in Nagpur due to a finger injury.
While the bowling combinations are still being fine-tuned, India’s batting has been nothing short of sensational.
The rejigged top order has redefined India’s T20 approach this series, with the third match resembling an extended Powerplay. Abhishek has struck at over 300, while Suryakumar and Kishan have operated close to a strike-rate of 230.
Such has been the onslaught that India have batted for a combined 25.2 overs while chasing 209 and 154 in the second and third T20Is — scoring 363 runs in the process.
Given the nature of the pitch and the likelihood of dew in Visakhapatnam, another run-fest could be on the cards.
The lone concern for the hosts remains Sanju Samson’s alarming form. Despite being handed his preferred opening role, the wicketkeeper-batter has managed just 16 runs across three matches at an average of 5.33.
A year of floating in the middle order without clarity may have disrupted his rhythm. However, with competition intensifying and Tilak Varma still recuperating, Samson may yet get another opportunity to justify the team management’s backing.
India could also consider pushing Kishan up to open alongside Abhishek, while slotting Samson in at No. 3. Either way, the Kerala batter knows he is running out of rope.
Can the Kiwis fight back?
Very little has gone New Zealand’s way in the series. While their batters have shown flashes of intent, the bowlers have been unable to withstand India’s relentless assault.
That Jacob Duffy, with an economy rate of 10.30, is their most economical bowler underlines the extent of their woes. Others have fared worse, Matt Henry (13.80), Kyle Jamieson (14.20), Mitchell Santner (13.14) and Ish Sodhi (12.50) have all been taken apart.
There may be tweaks, including a potential promotion for the in-form Daryl Mitchell, but unless the bowlers regroup quickly, another heavy defeat could be looming.
(By PTI Inputs)
