Former Indian pacer RP Singh said that the performance of the Indian cricket team is dipping ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022, which is not a good sign, as he was critical of the team’s bowling performance in the first T20I against Australia in Mohali.
Indian bowlers failed to defend 208 runs against Australia in the first T20I, as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Harshal Patel bowled expensive spells, which didn’t really help the hosts in Mohali on September 20.
Ahead of the second T20I in Nagpur on September 23, the former pacer warned India that things could be the same even when Jasprit Bumrah returns to the playing XI, and hence they must utilize the available options properly, otherwise, things would be really tough for them in the T20 World Cup 2022.
RP Singh said on Cricbuzz: “These aren't great signs ahead of the T20 World Cup. When we didn't do well at the Asia Cup, we thought it was because we didn't have Harshal Patel and Jasprit Bumrah. Harshal Patel was there in the side for this game, but we still ended up on the losing side. It is also possible that even Jasprit Bumrah will be taken to the cleaners if he returns for the next two games.”
He added, “So, we shouldn't expect our star player to return from injury and win the games. The management will have to utilize the players available because we are losing the games eventually. The performance of the Indian team is dipping as we get closer to the World Cup.”
Speaking about Indian bowlers’ performance in the first T20I, Singh noted: “There was never a period during the Australian run chase where India was able to dominate. Australia kept on hitting boundaries at regular intervals while also taking singles consistently. Apart from that Umesh Yadav's over where he picked up two wickets, there wasn't a single over where the Indian bowlers made an impact. It isn't a matter of skill, but maybe they weren't able to execute their plan well.”
The former pacer has also suggested the Indian team management make changes in their bowling attack going forward.
He signed off by saying, “Also, when you are bowling wide yorkers, you can't afford to have the point and the third man inside the circle. They will have to make major changes. Otherwise, India won't be in the game at all if they have to defend a target of 150.”
