Asia Cup 2018: Lessons for Team India from the tie against Afghanistan

#5 To finish off the spells of the spinners when in rhythm

The spinners should be given extended spells when in rhythm

In the match against Afghanistan, Kuldeep Yadav was in a fine rhythm in his first 6 overs when he gave away just 8 runs and took the wickets of Shahidi and captain Asghar Afghan off successive deliveries. Even Mohammad Shahzad treated him with due respect. Kuldeep looked like taking a wicket off every delivery as none of the Afghanistan batsmen were able to read him properly. But for some strange reason, he was taken off the attack when in rhythm, which allowed the Afghanistan batsmen to settle down. Kuldeep was not the same bowler when he returned for his second spell when he gave away 30 runs in his last 4 overs without taking any wicket.

In the final, the Indians should continue bowling with a bowler who is in rhythm. The captain should not try to rotate such bowler or should not hold him back to bring him after the 40th over. The Indians have enough ammunition in their armory with 3 regular spinners and one part-time spinner in their line up. It is easier to rotate with so many options and to bowl out one bowler who is in rhythm. This strategy would lead to claiming more wickets in the initial stages of the innings and slowing down the opposition.