Rohit and Rahul managed to score four runs each in India's opening game against Pakistan.
In particular, India’s batting wasn’t up to the mark in a tense four-wicket win over Pakistan. Chasing 160 to win, the top-order failed to step up to the plate as the Men in Blue were reduced to 31/4 at one stage. Openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul endured failures, scoring 4 runs each before being dismissed by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah respectively.
Thanks to Virat Kohli’s awe-inspiring 82 not out off 53 balls and Hardik Pandya’s 37-ball 40, the Indian team managed to pull off a victory from the jaws of defeat.
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Ahead of India’s second game against Netherlands at SCG on October 27, former cricketer Madan Lal has said that Rohit and Rahul need to pull up their socks and provide a solid start to the team.
Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup winning team, also feels that it’s too early to say if the momentum is with India after just one victory.
“Virat Kohli’s innings was amazing. I have never seen an innings like that but Virat Kohli is not going to win you every match. It’s such a big tournament. It can’t be won by one person,” Lal told PTI in an interview.
“Australian pitches are suited to Kohli’s game. He runs the ones, twos, and three and uses the big grounds to his advantage. In between, he scores the boundaries. He has become mentally tougher.
“Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have to pull up their socks. Everybody needs to ensure that they are performing and trying their best all the time. And in every game, there will be different heroes,” he added.
The 71-year-old also warned the Indian team against complacency in such a high-stake tournament.
“India’s task is yet to be completed. The journey has just begun. Even teams like the Netherlands are not weak teams. In T20, it’s anybody’s game.
“If you win the tournament then only you can say the mission is complete and as an Indian team we have done the job,” he said.
According to Madan Lal, the final XI should be picked as per the conditions and not by the reputations of players.
“India must choose their playing XI according to the opponents they play. They should play their pacers and spinners accordingly. The same set of playing XI may not work,” he said.
While India are considered favourites to top Group 2, Lal feels it’s too early to make such statements. However, he strongly believes that India will feature in the semi-final.
"I don’t know whether India will go as favourites against South Africa. You have to go match by match. The wicket will come into play. What sort of combination India plays, will also be a factor. It all depends on the playing conditions against South Africa.”
“In T20 cricket there are no clear favorites. South Africa is a dark horse. Australia at home is formidable. Sri Lanka is also doing well. England and New Zealand have also done very well. But definitely, India is in the top four brackets along with Australia, South Africa, and England.”
(With PTI inputs)