Rohit Sharma had a tough time in New York, with just one significant innings of 52 against Ireland. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, managed scores of only 1 and 4 against Ireland and Pakistan respectively before being dismissed for a duck against the USA.
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The first Super Eight game against Afghanistan is set to take place at Kensington Oval in Barbados, where Australia previously recorded a score above 200, suggesting better conditions for India’s batsmen.
“I don’t think that’s really an issue, and it’s not only Virat and Rohit. I think everyone who has opened innings in every team really struggled in the conditions provided during the World Cup so far. But I think this is a different format. I mean, they have three games to play.
“They know exactly where they stand. These guys are seasoned and top of the line players. So, I’m pretty sure one of them is going to deliver. If not both, to be honest. It’d be nice to see both of them actually putting a really good partnership together,” said Robin in an exclusive conversation with IANS.
‘A left-hander in the top three’
Rishabh Pant has been a significant positive for India, playing at number three and emerging as the leading run-scorer with 96 runs in three games.
“I’ve always advocated that you have a left-hander in the top three, even if he’s not an opener. So, that makes a huge difference. If you see most of the bowlers, they’re right-arm bowlers. They’re not left-arm bowlers, so it changes the line totally. In T20, most people struggle a little bit with the lines if you have left and right combinations.
“So, that makes a huge difference, to be very frank. I don’t know how many people know, but in Barbados also, the wind factor is very strong from one side of the ground. So, that’s going to make a huge difference in the game, especially with spinners coming into play,” added Robin, who played 136 ODIs for India.
‘Can’t underestimate Afghanistan’
Robin remarked that India cannot afford to take Afghanistan for granted, noting their strong bowling attack led by left-arm fast-bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 scalps.
“No, I don’t think you can underestimate the Afghanistan team. Their bowlers have done very well. Farooqi has been bowling really well and they have a couple of seasoned fast bowlers as well. But I think in general, they have been a pretty confident team.
“So, they are probably the dark horses of the tournament. So, it’s really important to be at the top of the game against them, and you have to expect everyone to deliver. So, you can’t take anyone for granted.”.
