India’s performance in the ongoing World Cup has been awe-inspiring, to say the least. The Rohit Sharma-led side has won eight matches comprehensively so far against Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, England and South Africa.
The Men in Blue are due to face Netherlands in their last league fixture in Bangalore on November 12. They are expected to enter the semi-final without losing a match.
Impressed with India’s stunning display, Australia legend Adam Gilchrist heaped praise on the fast-bowling troika of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj, saying they are almost unplayable in this World Cup.
According to Gilchrist, winning the toss and batting first should be the way to go against this rampaging Indian team.
India have won five matches chasing and three batting first in the marquee event.
“I think firstly winning the toss and batting first, given how India have gone about their business. I don't suggest that they have a weakness in chasing. They have the greatest-ever run-chase co-ordinator in Virat Kohli,” said Gilchrist while speaking to Fox Cricket.
“But the damage that the Indian bowling attack has been doing under lights, they have been lethal. Siraj, Shami, and Bumrah have been almost unplayable. It might be more conducive to bat against them in daylight. They have always had a powerful batting line-up. But it's the potency of the bowling that's making them such a threat at the moment,” he added.
Besides Afghanistan and Bangladesh, India have bundled out every team in the 2023 World Cup thus far.
Gilchrist attributed India’s success to a well-balanced bowling attack, featuring quality spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja as well.
“India has a well-balanced bowling lineup as the fast bowling talent is beautifully married with a couple of varieties of spin. Jadeja's stats are amazing. Kuldeep Yadav is a variation that can often bamboozle any opposition. And then you have Ravi Ashwin sitting in the background hardly getting a go,” he remarked.
In all probability, India will face New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15.
