India vs New Zealand clash on October 31 is being considered as a virtual quarter-final by many after the two sides’ loss to Pakistan in their first match. Ahead of the New Zealand clash, former Sunil Gavaskar weighs in on India’s dismal record against the Kiwis in T20 World Cup, toss factor, Hardik Pandya’s fitness concerns and concerns over Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s form.
Gavaskar does not feel that the past record will have any impact on the way India will play against Kane Williamson’s side.
“Did it play on Pakistan's mind? No! Modern players only focus only thing about the next game. They focus on the next ball instead of what has happened in the past. Past is history. That's exactly what India would be doing. Also, India will be remembering that the last time they were in New Zealand, they beat them comprehensively in T20Is. If I recall correctly, in 2020, they won all the five T20Is out of which two went into super over,” the legendary cricketer told Sports Tak.
Despite the 10-wicket loss against Pakistan in their opening game, Gavaskar does not believe in making too many changes in the playing XI. However, he feels if Hardik Pandya does not play in the game as an all-rounder, in-form Ishan Kishan should replace him.
“If you have too many changes, it is a sign of panic. The only thing I would like to see if Hardik Pandya is not going to bowl is Ishan Kishan coming at his place. Kishan has been in very good form. He can be a finisher in Pandya's place as the all-rounder has not been in good form in this IPL. I think Kishan will be a better option of Pandya does not bowl,” the 72-year-old said.
On being asked about Kishan’s batting position or whether he should open alongside Rohit Sharma, where he has been scoring runs in the last few games, he clarified, “Why would I want to drop somebody who was the highest run-scorer in the IPL (from the current Indian team) opening the batting. You don't want to disturb so much. Kishan can be batting at no.4, 5 or 6 as no.3 is going to be Virat Kohli's place.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been inconsistent of late and could not provide early breakthroughs against Pakistan with the new ball. He believes Bhuvneshwar is just low on confidence and believes it is “impossible” for any bowler to bowl with an economy rate below six runs per over in every match.
“The only thing I think is missing is probably self confidence. In this format bowlers get hammered. It is pretty impossible for anyone to bowl four overs at an average of 5 or 6 runs per over. Yes, Adam Zampa did that, taking four wickets for 12 (against Sri Lanka). I think Bhuvneshwar Kumar is short of match practice and short of confidence. But I will still go with him because of his experience as it plays a crucial role,” Gavaskar opined.
The toss factor has been one of the most talked about topics in the ongoing season of T20 World Cup. Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan have been the only team who have managed to win after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Gavaskar does not believe that the factors and dew in the second innings should play on minds of Kohli’s men.
“If you are a good team, you are supposed to overcome all the handicaps whether it is weather getting too hot or too cold or it is raining and the ball gets wet. All those things you have to shovel them back of your mind and the job that you have been given. Yes, that is what cricket is all about, to overcome difficulties. To make an excuse is not the right attitude for the top teams,” Gavaskar emphasised on team’s mindset rather than relying on conditions.
While New Zealand were in the game for a better part of the clash against Pakistan, Gavaskar considers India as more balanced team when compared to the BlackCaps barring one department.
“India has a better balance in terms of the batting they have and the bowling experience. India is certainly the better balanced team. Where perhaps New Zealand score over the Indian team is the fielding department. That is an area where if India lift themselves up, it will be very good for the team,” he opined.
While Pandya was seen bowling in the nets, Gavaskar expressed that he is the sixth bowling option, not fifth.
“He is going to be your sixth bowler, not fifth bowler. If you have a bowling option that is a very encouraging sign. In case one of the bowlers get hammered then he comes in and chips in with a few overs that is what the team management would be looking for,” he concluded.
