Former India cricketer VVS Laxman praised Team India for their three back-to-back wins in their T20 World Cup campaign. Although they won the last three games, they started their campaign with two defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand.
However, with the end of the T20 World Cup, Ravi Shastri and Co’s term too has ended. Even, Virat Kohli’s term as T20I captain has ended as well. Notably, Rahul Dravid has taken over the responsibility from Shastri, Rohit Sharma too took over the rein from Kohli. And, Laxman said that Team India may have found a template they would like to work more on it in future too.
In his column for TOI, VVS Laxman wrote: “With the next T20 World Cup less than a year away, I’m sure India will have identified a template that new coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, all set to become the next captain, will encourage the team to embrace whole-heartedly. It’s important for India to understand that they can’t afford to keep playing 20-over cricket in the same mould as they would the 50-over game.”
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However, Team India has struggled in their bowling front where most of their bowlers failed to step up. Moreover, all-rounder, Hardik Pandya’s absence as a bowler made things worse for them. And, the former player has said that India should work on these parts before the next T20 World Cup which is slated to take place in Australia. India’s next series will begin on November 17 against New Zealand where they will play a three-match T20I series and two Tests as well.
He said: “I do feel two crucial gaps must be addressed post-haste. The first priority will be to invest in a batsman who can bowl just a few overs of medium pace, whether that be Venkatesh Iyer or Shivam Dube. This choice doesn’t necessarily have to be a back-up to Hardik Pandya but a standalone choice because it will give the captain more flexibility in picking his 11.”
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“The other would be zeroing in on two solid pacemen capable of supporting Jasprit Bumrah and capitalising on the pace and bounce Australia is certain to offer. If one of them is a left-armer who brings a different angle of operation, then all the better. The process of identification and grooming must begin immediately so that by the time of the World Cup, these players are comfortable and secure in their roles and are aware fully of their responsibilites they’re entrusted with,” VVS Laxman concluded.
