Wasim Jaffer, a former India player, believes the team is lacking a sixth and seventh bowling option.
He noted that the absence of all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja limits the team’s bowling options, which is a major concern ahead of the 2023 50-over World Cup.
Wasim Jaffer on India’s bowling unit
The third and final match of the three-match ODI series between Team India and New Zealand was called off due to rain in Christchurch, leaving Team India with a 1-0 loss. When the game was interrupted by rain with New Zealand on 104/1 in 18 overs, India’s batting performance in the match had been poor as the team had collapsed on 218. The first One-Day International, which remained the only game that was finished throughout the series, was won by Kane Williamson’s team by seven wickets.
Wasim Jaffer discussed the Indian bowling attack after the match.
“It’s very unfortunate when Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja don’t play. India find that sixth and seventh bowling options are missing, and sometimes when any bowler has an off day. They need to look at this ahead of the 2023 World Cup,” he said.
It’s important to note that in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, Team India will once again be without the services of Pandya (rested) and Jadeja (recovering from an injury). Deepak Hooda, an all-rounder, was not selected for the ODI squad despite being India’s sixth bowling option during the tour of New Zealand.
Nevertheless, Washington Sundar’s return was a rare positive for the side on the tour despite the Indian team’s poor performance. With scores of 37* and 51, respectively, the young all-rounder significantly impacted India’s batting innings in the first and third ODI.
“He’s the bright spot of this tour. He came back after the injury and put in a show. He batted beautifully in both ODIs, and he can bowl in the Powerplay as well. He is very young, he can mature and become a better cricketer,” Jaffer added.
