Virender Sehwag warned India’s bowling unit faces a real test in the Super 8s, despite their unbeaten run.
India extended their winning run to four matches with a 17-run win over the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on February 18. They scored 193/6 and conceded 176. Despite the unbeaten record, former opener Virender Sehwag raised concerns about the bowling unit ahead of the Super 8 stage.
Sehwag noted that India has not faced a strong batting challenge yet. He believes tougher opponents will test the attack more thoroughly. The Super 8’s, he suggested, will reveal how the bowlers respond against stronger line-ups.
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“I don’t think India have been challenged yet. In the first match India struggled a bit, but since then India have been playing some consistent cricket. The real test will begin in the Super 8. Today, India did score 193, but they also conceded 176. So, India will have to look at their bowling. When we come up against a better batting side, how will this bowling unit respond, and be used?” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
Mohit Sharma Questions India’s Bowling Combination
Former India fast bowler Mohit Sharma has also raised concerns about India’s bowling combination ahead of the Super 8 stage. He believes Arshdeep Singh’s presence gives captain Suryakumar Yadav flexibility at the death alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
“There is still a doubt as to which combination will India proceed with in the Super 8. If you have an all-rounder like Axar Patel at No.8, then who bowls at the death? If a team like the Netherlands can ask questions in the death, then there are bigger teams coming up. If Arshdeep is there, you can be a little flexible in the death since he can bowl with Bumrah,” Mohit said.
India is placed in Super 8 Group 1 with South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies.
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