Right ahead of the resumption of the India vs Pakistan's Super Fours showdown on reserve day at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, spin legend Anil Kumble provides strategic insights for Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. He emphasised the need for Virat and KL to adopt an aggressive brand of batting, considering the unpredictable nature of rain-curtailed games.
With India's scoreboard reading 147/2 in 24.1 overs before rain interrupted play, Kumble's focus was on Kohli and KL. Both players are seasoned campaigners, and their roles would be pivotal for India to post a big total for arch-rivals in the crunch game. While stressing on the need for an aggressive play Kumble said, "Both KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are experienced. They will resume from where they left off. If you approach it as a 25-over match, then your intent will be different. Rain can come anytime and it can become a 35 or 40 overs game."
Given the unpredictability of rain-affected games, Kumble believes it's essential for players to remain alert and adjust their tactics accordingly. He elaborated, "You need to be aware that the game can stop anytime. You need to play with that intensity. You need to maximise the remaining overs. I am sure Virat, KL and Hardik [Pandya] will be the key for the remainder of the game."
Earlier in the match, Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, won the toss and chose to bowl first. Despite an initial ineffectual spell by Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Indian openers managed to notch up more than 100 runs together. Afridi made a comeback in his second spell by dismissing Shubman Gill, while Rohit Sharma's wicket was claimed by Shadab Khan. Notably, both Indian openers celebrated individual half-centuries in the game.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature wasn't on cricket's side as persistent rains disrupted play. On Monday, the game saw further delays due to rainfall. But after an hourly delay, the match finally resumed rekindling the hopes of a full 50-overs play.
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