Former fast bowler Balwinder Singh Sandhu, who was a member of the Indian cricket team that won the World Cup in 1983, has been critical of India’s fast bowling attack against New Zealand in the WTC final. Sandhu, who was disappointed with the speedy attack, said that veteran pacer Ishant Sharma was bowling like a stranger while Jaspreet Bumrah was also disappointed. Team India struggled in the WTC final. Only Mohammed Shami took four wickets in fast bowlers and bowled well. At the same time, Ishant took three wickets in the first innings. But Bumrah did not get a wicket in the match.
Kyle Jamison said of WTC final pressure – ‘I’m hiding in the bathroom’
Former fast bowler Balwinder Singh Sandhu told CricketNext, ‘Indian bowlers bowled short balls on Sunday, but on Tuesday they bowled upwards. You have to put the ball to the batsman on the front foot. There may be some rust in the bowler, but you have to keep the ball at the top and let the batsman run on the front foot. Ishant looked like a freshman to me despite playing 100 Tests. He was supposed to lead a fast bowling attack, but Shami was playing that role. Bumrah’s performance was also very disappointing.
Apart from Sandhu, another member of the 1983 World Cup winning team and former fast bowler Roger Binny believes India has not picked the right bowling attack.
ENG W vs IND W ODI Series: Mithali Raj scored 72 against England in ODI series
The highest wicket taker at the 1983 World Cup, he said, “I think the Indian team didn’t pick the right bowling attack. You have to have a swinging bowler. New Zealand did the same. His bowlers were not fast. He bowled at the right line and length. You can’t put out a batsman at 90 or 100 MPH, but you can come out with the help of a swing.
India will now play a five-match Test series against England starting August 4.
