ICC Champions Trophy 2017 – Final – Captain’s Corner – 5 Tactics India Must Use To Beat Pakistan

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:37 PM

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ICC Champions Trophy 2017 – Final – Captain’s Corner – 5 Tactics India Must Use To Beat Pakistan

India’s campaign in this edition of the ICC Champions Trophy has been typical to their performance in ODI’s since the turn of the decade. While the side has been utterly dominant on 9 out of 10 occasions, there has been an odd blip and an aspect or two which has raised eyebrows. However, as a whole, the young, enthusiastic and the ever dominant side has displayed shades of glory and played like an absolute champion side.

 

To be quite and brutally honest from any Indian fan’s point of view, the side if given a choice in picking one of Pakistan or England as an opponent, would have chosen the former. It is mainly due to India’s dominance over Pakistan since the last decade, and also the attributes of the individuals to handle pressure better than their Pakistani counterparts.

 

Having said that, to lift the title, India would have to be wary of a few things and use certain tactics. Below, we have a look at some of those tactics.

  1. Openers continue their dominance:

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma seem to be competing with each other for that elite Golden Bat award, and the gap between them has narrowed down massively. The one who has a better outing against Pakistan will take home that prestigious award. But what has been more significant has been that this pair has done more than half the job for India right at the top. Against Bangladesh in the semi-final, the two were ruthless and didn’t mind taking the aerial route early on. Already the most successful pair in the history of this tournament, another good show tomorrow will etch the duo in history.

  1. Pacers carry on their impressive form:

India made a really bold statement against South Africa by not playing Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav. The duo has been India’s primary wicket taking the option and benching them was a really brave call. However, in their absence, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have done a fantastic job and rattled teams right at the top. Apart from picking wickets, the two pacers have been extremely accurate with the new ball and kept the scoring well in check. This has added a lot more burden on the opposing batting lineup. Against a mercurial outfit like Pakistan, their role becomes even more important in striking early, and getting rid of Fakhar Zaman at the start will boost India’s chances massively.

  1. Dismiss Shoaib Malik early:

There would be just one individual in that Pakistani camp whose name would worry India. Shoaib Malik now has been around for nearly 18 years and with an ocean of experience to his association, he can be a game-changer on the big day for Pakistan. He is among the rare Pakistani batsmen to play with an able mindset in pressure situations. Couple that with his terrific record against India, seeing his back as early as possible will the men in blue’s first priority.

MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh were instrumental in India’s win in both T20 World Cup in 2007 and 2011 World Cup.
  1. Yuvraj Singh – MS Dhoni to lit up London:

This current Indian outfit is a blessed outfit for more than one reason. Apart from having the best top three in the competition, they also possess the best middle order by a mile. With Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni in the middle, India need not worry even if the top three endure an off day. Be it while chasing or while setting up a score, this pair can on its own decimate Pakistan and demolish everything in their sight. As a pair, this ever comprehensive duo has been among the most impactful pairs in ODI cricket history. It was this pair who finished off the game for India in the 2011 World Cup final, and could finish off yet another ICC event, even if it comes six years later.

  1. Skipper Virat Kohli’s bat does the talking:

If recent form is anything to go by, Pakistan is a doomed side, mainly due to skipper Virat Kohli’s red-hot form. The Indian captain has slowly caught up with the openers in the list of the leading run-getters and has been striking the ball exceptionally. Known to rake up tons at will, we could well witness one tomorrow if Kohli is set. The right-hander just needs to watch out for deliveries outside the off stump and once set, he alone can demolish Pakistan. A Kohli masterclass in front of a jam-packed Oval will more often than not win it for India!

 

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