It is D-Day for Men in Blue in Mohali: India XI
Mar 26, 2016 at 4:15 PM
Big picture:
The D-Day for the favorites India has come. They have to face Australia in Mohali. The outcome of the match will decide who will enter the semifinal and play West Indies in Mumbai. India lost the first T20 to New Zealand and won the last two against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
In the last two matches, India have earned hard-fought victories and surrendered to Kane Williamson’s masterstroke of bringing three spinners against India. Both India and Australia have four points respectively but the former holds the second position as they have poor run rate than Australia.
So, the time has come for MS Dhoni’s India to accelerate the paddle to “Play Bold” against Australia and qualify for the semifinal. India’s famed batting order yet to fire in this marquee tournament in front of enthusiastic and run hungry Indian fans.
Weakness: Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma failed so far in this tournament. Their poor form affected India’s chances to score big. The batting department is over dependent on Virat Kohli. If the batting star fails to play big innings, India miserably surrenders to opposition attack. The middle order also lacks depth. Suresh Raina in the last match played hard fought innings that helped India to score a respectable total against Bangladesh. But, his form has been patchy and he can any time disappoint you. Talking about Yuvraj Singh who can help you to build a partnership but those scorchers are not visible in his batting.
Strength: Virat Kohli is in good form and ready to spoil Australia’s party. Captain MS Dhoni is another player who can make a big difference with his captaincy, wicketkeeping, and batting. The bowling department is also in outstanding form. Jasprit Bumrah and Ashish Nehra will love to bowl to Steve Smith and two spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will chip in with their arm-balls and other variations like carrom ball.
Besides this, India have the ability to fight back in crunch situations.
Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra
Expectations: India should qualify for the semifinal with a heartening victory against Australia in the land of Punjab. The home boy Yuvraj Singh should play an important role in the match and Virat Kohli should pierce the gaps.
Pitch conditions: It is tired Mohali pitch after long domestic season so slow medium pacer and the spinner will good assistance. But, a batsman who has good technique will make a mark on this pitch.
Weather: It will be a partly sunny weather. The mercury will notch up to 33-degree celsius. However as the match will be held in the evening expect a gentle breeze to ease up the players.
Where to watch: Star Sports and Hotstar.com
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)