India’s batting order debate continues despite Super 8 win over Zimbabwe

After suffering an unfortunate defeat at the hands of the South Africans, the Indian team returned to form by inflicting an emphatic 72-run defeat on Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage. Their total of 256/4 off 20 overs was an emphatic first win for them in this stage, but doubts remain over India's batting order. Former India coach Anil Kumble, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, believes that the amount of depth the batting line has up to and including the luxury of Axar Patel coming in at No 8 who offers great depth and flexibility, which is relatively rare in T20 batting line-ups. 

Kumble nevertheless feels that there are still a lack of clear individual batting roles for the players in this Indian team. He pointed out that Tilak Varma's batting position has varied greatly from No 3 to lower down the order depending on the match situation or the evolving strategy during the match, and that while this can be useful in terms of strategy, it may also hurt players, as they are not given time to establish themselves in one position. Varma had only scored 107 runs in five innings at No 3 before this match. He was moved to bat at No 6 and smashed an unbeaten 44 runs off only 16 balls. If players cannot settle into their positions even in-form players they may also not know where they ultimately fit in.

“That’s something that India haven’t really been able to manage and yes, they certainly look at a long batting line-up. I mean someone like Axar coming in at eight, they need that but, if you want to break it up… The role clarity hasn’t been there with someone like Tilak at three early on and now possibly five, four or even six who knows depending on who’s batting at the other end. Sanju, maybe Tilak, may come in but if it’s Ishan Kishan or an Abhishek Sharma, then maybe Hardik or Surya will come in and Tilak will be pushed out,” Kumble said.

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Virtual Quarter Final awaits India and West Indies on March 1

On March 1, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, will host what effectively amounts to a virtual quarter-final between India and the West Indies when these two countries clash with semi-final qualification at stake. The winner will advance into the semi-finals; while the loser will not advance any further in this year’s tournament. Currently, India is lodged in third place on the points table while the West Indies are in second place on the same table because of their better net run rate. This highly charged match promises to be very competitive, and both countries will be looking for a shot at qualifying for the semi-finals.

If the game gets washed out, out of the question since it is expected to be a rain-free day, the West Indies would qualify for the next round based on their net run rate. However, barring an unexpected downpour, qualifying will be determined by the outcome of the match. For India, the stakes could not be higher as they try to defend their championship title; with a win, they will not only qualify for the semi-finals but recover some of the momentum that they have lost during the last few rounds of this year’s tournament—making this one of the most important challenges that India will face during these championship games.