World Cup 2019: A tough road lies ahead for India

We all believed that India would face tough matches upfront when they began their World Cup campaign, facing the likes of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan. But the way Virat Kohli and Co have taken one match at a time and implemented their game plan has been truly commendable.

Not only did they register comfortable wins against South Africa, pre-tournament favourites Australia and arch-rivals Pakistan, but they also stamped their authority in all three departments of the game.

By contrast, they had to play out of their skins against minnows Afghanistan two days ago. On a difficult wicket, it was because of the efforts by captain Virat Kohli (67) and Kedar Jadhav (52) that India crawled to score 224/8 in 50 overs. The bowlers delivered when it was needed the most. Had it not been for Player of the match Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami might not have achieved the hat-trick.

The bottomline: India were given a reality check which they somehow managed to pass through unscathed.

However, while Kohli's men expected a breather following the first four matches, they may not be afforded one courtesy the valiant performances by individuals from mid-table teams who are competing to make it to the semi-finals. India’s remaining four matches might not be a cakewalk, as they will not only be facing the litmus test against tournament favourites and hosts England, but also the stiff challenge from the inconsistent West Indies, the ever-improving Bangladesh and the unpredictable Sri Lanka (who created an upset last week when they defeated England).

Though West Indies have been jolted by the injury and ruling out of Andre Russell, they have it in them to upset India on a given day. Who can forget Carlos Brathwaite’s individual brilliance (101 from 82) with the bat that took the Caribbean side to touching distance of victory against table-toppers New Zealand?

The Barbadian’s knock recalled memories from the 2016 T20 World Cup final (Eden Gardens), where he smacked Ben Stokes for four consecutive sixes to complete a famous victory. That kind of belligerence can easily jolt India too.

That apart, India would have to be wary of Chris Gayle, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, captain Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas too.

England’s opener Jason Roy, who is nursing a hamstring injury, is likely to play against India on June 30. India’s batting will be tested by a quality English bowling attack, while the bowlers will face an uphill task of getting 10 wickets as England bat deep.

If India’s batting falters in Birmingham, their go-to man Shikhar Dhawan will be missed the most.

On July 2, India play a fancied Bangladesh side which is bubbling with confidence following the 62-run win against Afghanistan. Presently placed 5th on the points table, Mashrafe Mortaza’s men have two tough matches to play - against India and a rejuvenated Pakistan.

However, Shakib Al Hasan has been leading the charge for the tigers with pomp and aplomb. He is not only the first batsman to score 1,000 World Cup runs for Bangladesh, but on June 24 against Afghanistan he became only the 2nd all-rounder after India’s Yuvraj Singh to register a 50-plus score with the bat and take a 5-wicket haul in the same match.

Shakib has also registered two centuries in the ongoing World Cup. His form will be a big headache for India’s think tank.

India play their last round-robin match against Sri Lanka on July 6 in Leeds. Over the past decade, India have dominated Sri Lanka in all three formats of the game. They enjoy a 61% win rate against the islanders in ODIs.

However, India won’t be complacent as the likes of Lasith Malinga (playing his last World Cup) and Angelo Mathews can wreak havoc against them any time. They have faced the Indian bowling more than any other team in recent times, and so would be aware of the weaknesses and pressure points.

All in all, India will face tough challenges from their remaining matches. It remains to be seen at what position the so far unbeaten Indians finish on the points table.

Also see – Australia vs England head to head stats

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