Cricket
Why does India trust Arshdeep to bowl the hard overs?
Against New Zealand, Arshdeep Singh gave away 27 runs in the final over of the first T20I. Including 7(nb), 6, 6, and 4. He didn’t, however, and the management of the Indian team prevented him from feeling sorry for himself. Because anyone who bowls in the death can experience it. Some of the best in the field, including Dwayne Bravo and Chris Jordan, have experienced it. Even Arshdeep has experienced it in the recent past.
T20 Death bowling is difficult. Self-doubt is rife because even an accurate yorker can be converted to a boundary ball by a small edge. What about the days when you consistently forget to read the Yorker?
Nevertheless, the left-arm seamer keeps returning for more despite everything. Like his senior Jasprit Bumrah, he is a quick learner and a cool-headed player. That’s why India continues to put their trust in Arshdeep to bowl the difficult overs. Even Umran Malik’s 150 kph pace is acceptable to them in exchange for his variety.
Hardik Pandya had the option of asking Yuzvendra Chahal to bowl the final two pitches in the second T20I. Spin bowling was ideal for the pitch. After India’s batters laboriously reached 100 and won with one ball left, Arshdeep’s 2-0-7-2 spell became more significant.
T20 Death bowling is difficult. Even on a slow pitch, despite both balls slipped onto the batsmen despite having speeds below 130 km/h.Sure, Sodhi and Ferguson are batters in the lower order, but Arshdeep’s bouncers have also fooled batters in the top order. Ask people like Kyle Mayers, Mohammad Rizwan, and Asif Ali. According to ESPNcricinfo’s logs, short or short-of-a-good-length deliveries caused one-third of his 39 T20I wickets.
Perhaps the most memorable of the lot is the one that Asif received during the 2022 T20 World Cup.Arshdeep hit a throat-high short ball on a leg-stump line from over the wicket in Pakistan’s 17th over. Asif was unable to duck or hook in time. Only a catch behind to wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, flailed was all he could muster.
Because of the nature of his work, a death bowler will experience more bad days than good ones. Moreover, in T20 cricket, where most matches are decided by a narrow margin, people frequently criticise the player who has given away too many runs in the last overs without always acknowledging the difficulty of his task is often criticised. For instance, Arshdeep was using a wet ball when he conceded those 27 runs in the first T20I.
Arshdeep’s international career has only been six months old, but experience will help him have more options when the odds are stacked so firmly against him. But even now, in his unpolished state, Arshdeep manages to arouse people’s interest. His former coach at Punjab Kings, Anil Kumble, is so impressed that he has given him the green light to emulate what Zaheer Khan has achieved for India.
Kumble : “I am really impressed with Arshdeep. The way he’s developed. “I have worked with him for three years, and in that time I have seen him develop in the T20 format. Last year’s IPL was a good example of how he handled pressure.
In T20 games, you look at the bowler’s opportunities, not wickets.He may have bowled the team’s difficult overs. And I love the temperament Arshdeep demonstrated. During the India-Pakistan game, we witnessed that once more.
Arshdeep has the abilities and self-confidence to deal with pressure from such comparisons and Bumrah’s forced absence due to injury.
Arshdeep had previously stated that the first requirement for bowling at the death is having self-belief. “Only then will others have faith in you. Every time you enter the field, you do so with the assurance that, regardless of your opponents, you will use your skills to your advantage and perform well for your team. Only if you possess the necessary skills can you advance to this level. Who can then excel and adapt to the middle situation is what matters.”
After assisting India in tying the T20I series, Arshdeep will have another opportunity to shine in Ahmedabad. However, even if he doesn’t, even if he concedes a lot in the final overs, India is aware that he can recover; indeed, he always recovers.
On Thursday, November 2, Virat Kohli achieved an accomplishment. He became the batsman to surpass 1000 runs in ODIs in 2023, following in the footsteps of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Not that,. He also joined Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Pathum Nissanka as the fourth players to achieve this impressive record in the 50-over format within the same year.
Stepping into History with 1000 Runs in ODIs
Entering the realm of history, Kohli’s unwavering determination and exceptional skills were put on display during his match in 2023. Notably, the cricket maestro, now 34 years old, made an indelible impact by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record, securing the most number of years with 1000 runs in ODIs. Kohli’s consistent ability to perform at such an exceptional level has been a defining characteristic of his illustrious career, as he had previously achieved this monumental milestone in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019, before accomplishing it once again in the present year of 2023.
Sachin Tendulkar with god of cricket Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/zmztejNBBB
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 2, 2023
An Unforgettable Journey
In an intense World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Virat Kohli’s pursuit of this historic milestone was realized with an impressive 34 runs. Despite facing challenges, including a rare duck against England at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, his overall performance throughout the year has been nothing short of spectacular.
Kohli’s memorable journey was highlighted by an unbeaten century during India’s triumphant seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Adding to his illustrious record, he solidified his stature with a brilliant 95 runs, making a significant contribution to India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand led by Tom Latham at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Pune.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, on Tuesday, October 31, achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the third fastest bowler to secure 100 wickets in ODIs. His outstanding performance during Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata led to this historic accomplishment.
A Landmark Moment
In the thrilling encounter, Shaheen clinched his 100th wicket in only his 51st match, dismissing Tigers’ opening batter Tanzid Hasan Tamim. The left-arm fast bowler displayed exceptional skill as he struck Tamim on the pads, prompting the on-field umpire to raise his finger. Despite Tamim’s referral to the third umpire using the Decision Review System (DRS), the replays confirmed the ball crashing into the stumps, upholding the on-field decision. Bangladesh lost their first wicket with the scoreboard reading 0 in just 0.5 overs.
Shaheen Afridi soars high yet again with another feat to his name 🦅#CWC23 | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/IlQQ6P5xYK
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 31, 2023
Surpassing Preceding Records
Shaheen Shah Afridi not only secured this feat in record time but also outshone the accomplishments of esteemed bowlers preceding him. He surpassed the record of the fastest pacer, previously held by Mitchell Starc, who attained the milestone in August 2016 during an ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Legacy of Excellence
Moreover, Shaheen shattered the long-standing record held by Saqlain Mushtaq, becoming the fastest Pakistani bowler to claim 100 wickets in ODIs. Saqlain had set this record on May 12, 1997, during an ODI against Sri Lanka in Gwalior. It is notable that among the Pakistani fast bowlers, the accomplished Shaheen Shah Afridi follows in the footsteps of the legendary Waqar Younis, who achieved the 100-wicket mark back in February 1993 against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.
Beyond ODIs
Demonstrating his prowess beyond ODIs, Shaheen has made significant contributions in Tests and T20Is as well. Since his debut in 2018, he has garnered 105 wickets in Tests and 64 wickets in T20Is. His exceptional journey began with a strong performance in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ consecutive victories in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
A Testament to Talent and Dedication
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s rapid rise to 100 ODI wickets within 51 matches underlines his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. As he continues to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. With his remarkable achievements, Afridi has solidified his place in the annals of cricket history, etching his name as one of Pakistan’s most formidable and promising fast bowlers.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has recently expressed admiration for India’s dominant performance in the ongoing 2023 ICC World Cup. With India securing victories in all six matches, Akhtar highlighted the team’s exceptional display across various aspects of the game. Although the recent batting performance against England in Lucknow was relatively modest, India’s fierce bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, proved instrumental in securing a remarkable win. This triumph not only solidified India’s leading position on the points table but also exacerbated England’s struggles in the tournament, leaving them virtually eliminated.
India’s Remarkable Bowling Transformation
In his analysis, Akhtar emphasized the transformative impact of Shami’s inclusion in India’s playing eleven following Hardik Pandya’s injury. Acknowledging Shami’s outstanding performances against New Zealand and England, Akhtar credited India’s ability to win matches through their bowling prowess, showcasing a shift from their traditional reliance on batting strength. He commended the collective effort of the Indian bowling unit, particularly recognizing the strategic brilliance of fast bowler Bumrah.
India’s Path to World Cup Glory
Looking ahead, Akhtar voiced his confidence in India’s potential to secure their third ODI World Cup trophy, highlighting the team’s upcoming matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Expressing optimism, he emphasized the significance of maintaining their unbeaten streak en route to the final, setting the stage for a potential historic ICC World Cup victory. However, Akhtar cautioned against compromising the successful bowling unit once Pandya returns to full fitness, warning against the potential detriment of a partially fit Pandya’s inclusion at the expense of a bowler.
Akhtar’s Praise for India and its Response to Criticism
Addressing skepticism surrounding his praise for the Indian team, Akhtar reiterated the exceptional nature of India’s performance, particularly in their ability to defend a modest total with a significant margin of victory. Undeterred by criticism, Akhtar reaffirmed his admiration for India’s exceptional cricketing prowess, urging acknowledgment and appreciation of their commendable achievements.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Perspective on Virat Kohli
Shifting focus, Akhtar’s history of praise extends beyond team performances to individual players, notably including former Indian team captain Virat Kohli. Reminiscing on Kohli’s resilience during a challenging phase in his career, Akhtar highlighted the pivotal role played by Kohli’s consistent century-scoring performances, leading to India’s victories. Recognizing Kohli’s contribution to the team’s success, Akhtar emphasized the significance of Kohli’s monumental centuries during crucial chases, solidifying his status as a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team.
In a comparison between Kohli and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Akhtar acknowledged Tendulkar’s status as one of the greatest batsmen while highlighting the challenges Tendulkar faced as a captain. Drawing parallels, Akhtar expressed confidence in Kohli’s eventual resurgence, expecting him to return to his prolific scoring form once he finds his equilibrium.
In summary, Akhtar’s acknowledgment of India’s exceptional performance and his recognition of individual players’ contributions underscore the team’s formidable presence in the 2023 ICC World Cup, setting the stage for a potential historic triumph in the coming days.
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