India's Arshdeep Singh celebrates with teammates (PTI Photo)
Bengaluru: When batters are scoring at 11.46 runs an over, even quality bowling attacks can be made to look ordinary. India’s T20I series against the West Indies has exposed the vulnerability of the hosts’ pace unit, with flat pitches, dew and short boundaries proving a punishing combination for bowlers.West Indies’ stunning 250-run chase in Ranchi, completed with nine balls to spare, prompted a stern assessment from India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
“These bowlers are our bowlers, not someone else’s bowlers. Their careers are at stake,” he had said, underlining the scrutiny facing the attack.With the exception of Indore, where India successfully defended 223, the bowlers struggled to contain a fearless West Indies batting line-up.
While the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and, to an extent, Hardik Pandya has been felt, the bigger concern for the team management is the inconsistency shown by Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav.The two young quicks, Mayank and Prince, have alternated between brilliance and waywardness during the series, highlighting the challenges of adjusting to different match situations. The fourth T20I in Hyderabad offered a clear example.
India conceded 18 extras, including 13 wides. Arshdeep accounted for six, while Mayank and Prince leaked two and one, respectively. Their attempts to execute wide yorkers and fuller deliveries repeatedly missed the mark, allowing the West Indies batters to maintain the pressure.India’s lack of proven T20 pace-bowling depth has consequently become a talking point. That has put renewed focus on the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose recall after nearly four years away from the national side could prove timely.The experienced swing bowler has enjoyed a productive run in the IPL, taking 45 wickets across the last two seasons. More importantly, his success has been built on control and execution rather than sheer pace, qualities that India’s younger quicks have often lacked in this series.Conditions, however, have offered little respite to bowlers. High-scoring surfaces and heavy dew have meant that even small lapses have come at a significant cost.As India prepare for a demanding tour of New Zealand, they know the challenges ahead will be very different. The pitches may offer more assistance, but the key question remains whether the bowling group can quickly adapt and improve its consistency.
On the eve of the rain-affected series finale in Bengaluru, fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel urged observers to consider the physical and mental demands placed on modern cricketers.“We sometimes forget that mental fatigue plays a big part. We have to manage that and be smart with it. Some of the players went for the Asian Games and then straight into a full series against the West Indies. These guys are also human,” Morkel said.“Execution and skills become better when you’ve recovered, slept well and mentally refreshed. That’s a challenge. We’re going to New Zealand now and it’s a jam-packed schedule there as well,” he added.There was, however, one encouraging sign. All-rounder Naman Dhir grabbed his opportunity after replacing Washington Sundar in the XI.