In the ongoing T20 World Cup, Team India defeated Bangladesh by 5 runs on Wednesday (November 2). Suresh Raina, a former cricketer, said that a tight game should serve as a wake-up call for Rohit Sharma and his men to be more clinical in the knockout rounds.
While speaking to AajTak, Raina noted that the way Litton Das was hammering the Indian bowlers for the first few overs prior to the delay due to rain would be a learning curve for India’s bowling department going forward.
"The way Bangladesh fought in this game, the match was in their favor if rain had not interrupted play. In the first seven overs, the Indian bowling attack got smashed around, which I think was a learning curve for them. We might have won but even Rohit admitted in his post-match conference that Bangladesh were better than them. This is a wake-up call for Team India if they want to play better. They will have to perform in the semi-final and final stage since the teams they'll face there will be solid," he said.
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He was pleased, however, with the fact that the top-order and middle-order batters have been among runs throughout the tournament.
"The top five batters are performing for India. Rohit Sharma is also making runs. But KL Rahul getting back in form is a very good sign for Team India. After one game, we'll be in the playoffs. Rohit is in form, Rahul scored runs today, Virat Kohli is is good form, Suryakumar is playing well. Hardik Pandya is also batting well," Raina added.
Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner, should be included in the starting XI for India's match against Zimbabwe at the MCG, according to the former cricketer.
"Even the six that Ashwin hit was important for India. Maybe that's why the team management is backing Ashwin. But I think Chahal has to come back in the team. The next match is in Melbourne, which is a big ground," Raina stated.
The Men in Blue with a win over Bangladesh have virtually reached the semi-finals. They will lock horns with Zimbabwe on Sunday (November 06) in their last Super 12 encounter.
(AAJTAK INPUTS)