4 Big Changes India can make for T20 World Cup 2022 after failing in Asia Cup 2022: Team India’s campaign in the Asia Cup 2022 is already done and dusted. The Men in Blue got knocked out of the tournament even before they played their final match against Afghanistan owing to their substandard performance at crucial moments.
Rohit Sharma and his men lost two consecutive matches in the knockout stage of the Asia Cup 2022 to put a break in their run. Further, the remaining damage was done by Pakistan by defeating Afghanistan in the latter’s do-or-die match and putting a stamp of authority on India’s departure from UAE before the final.
However, looking at the bigger picture ahead, the T20 World Cup 2022 is the biggest event this year and the Indians would be eager to unleash their best in the show-piece ICC event. Team India can make amends to their ailing campaign and take the right steps to overcome the flaws that were exposed by the opposition in the Asia Cup 2022.
Notably, India have two home T20I series against Australia and South Africa in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. The results of the two upcoming T20I series will by and large indicate a fair idea of how has been the preparation of team India for the ultimate target in October.
In this article, we have penned down 4 Big Changes India can make for T20 World Cup 2022 after failing in the Asia Cup 2022.
4 Big Changes India can make for T20 World Cup 2022:
Drop KL Rahul:
It may be one of the hardest pills to swallow for the Indian fans, but, this is the right time to act for Rohit Sharma and management and take strict actions. If we go by T20 reputation, there is no one who can drop KL Rahul from the lineup, however, team India can’t afford to play 3 batters of the same discipline in the top 3.
Moreover, KL Rahul’s strike rate has taken a huge hit, for which he has been extensively called out in the past. Barring India’s last match against Afghanistan, which was of no importance, Rahul’s strike rate in the Asia Cup 2022 has been below 100.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Openers:
This Indian opening combination was in the news when they both opened a T20I innings together during the 5th T20I against England in 2021. However, with the return of KL Rahul, the plan was eventually dropped and India went with the settled combination.
However, with Virat Kohli once again looking in solid touch, he can prove lethal if he opens the innings with Rohit Sharma.
Notably, Virat Kohli completely fits in the new adopted aggressive approach of Rohit Sharma. Also, it will vacate a place on the playing11 which can be filled with someone who provides balance to the team.
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Left Hander at number 3 or in middle order:
If you tracked India’s campaign in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 you may have noticed that India lacked a left-arm batter in the middle order. Rohit Sharma after India suffered a defeat against Sri Lanka explained his motive behind dropping designated finisher Dinesh Karthik and playing Rishabh Pant against Sri Lanka.
“See, it is simple. We wanted a left-hander to bat in the middle. That’s why Dinesh Karthik is out. Not because of form or anything. We wanted a left-hand batter in the middle to take pressure off, but it didn’t happen,” the Indian skipper said after the defeat.
Someone like Ishan Kishan can be fitted in the playing11 to ensure that there are enough left-handers to disturb the opposition. Moreover, if one slot in playing11 gets vacant, then India can certainly afford to play both Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik together.
Mohammad Shami’s comeback in T20Is:
The Indian management can call back Mohammad Shami for the T20Is. However, this move will be subject to the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah, Harshal Patel and others.
Notably, both Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel are currently nursing themselves from their respective injuries. If unfortunately, anyone from the two aforementioned fails to make a comeback due to persistent injury, then Mohammad Shami should be called back to provide his services.
Shami’s prowesses will serve India to a large extent. He is a fine new ball bowler and when it comes to death bowling, he is one of the best in the business.
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