Kumble advises Team India to look for wicket-taking options over all-rounders in T20 World Cup

India will be playing more T20 Internationals in 2020 in order to prepare for the T20 World Cup.

Team India will start their T20 World Cup 2020 campaign in Perth on October 24 | Getty

Former India spinner Anil Kumble has advised Indian team management to look at the wicket-taking options in their T20I line-up even if that means playing more pacers than all-rounders.

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Kumble’s suggestion came keeping in mind the T20 World Cup, slated to be held in Australia next year. In order to prepare for the showpiece event, the Men in Blue will be playing more T20Is in 2020.

“I certainly believe that you need wicket-taking bowlers and someone like a Kuldeep and Chahal need to be a part of that in my view. Yes, there are instances where you know the ball gets wet because of the dew, then is it right for two wrist-spinners to be there,” Kumble told CricketNext.

“It is very important that you need to start looking out for wicket-taking options. If it means that you need to bring in just fast bowlers who you believe will pick up wickets, rather than looking at all-rounders, which I think this team is looking for; I think that’s the critical aspect,” he added.

The former India coach also told the management to identify those players who can do well in Australian conditions.

“It’s very important that India starts thinking about who will perform in Australian conditions and who is that bowler who has the ability to pick up wickets because that’s what will put pressure on the opposition.”

Asked about MS Dhoni’s return, Kumble said IPL form will be vital for the selection of veteran wicketkeeper batsman.

“It’s all about how MS (Dhoni) goes about the IPL and if at all the Indian team believes that they need this services for the World Cup then from there on he may be a part of the team. But we will have to wait and see,” he said.

During the T20I series against West Indies earlier this month, India head coach Ravi Shastri didn’t rule out the possibility of KL Rahul donning keeping gloves during the T20 World Cup.

However, Kumble believes the second wicketkeeper’s slot should be locked 10-12 games before the start of the main event.

“…K L Rahul is someone that India may look to also use. Because he is pretty safe in T20 format. He is good, he has kept wickets for Karnataka. And we know the quality that he brings to white-ball cricket as a batsman, so yes that is a very good option.

“But whatever option India take, I think it is important to freeze on that at least 10-12 matches prior to the World Cup.”

The ICC T20 World Cup 2020 will get underway on October 18 while India will start their campaign against South Africa in Perth on October 24.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 31 Dec, 2019

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