The Strength and Weaknesses of the 2019 Indian Cricket Test Match Team
The year 2019 marked an era of strength in the Indian Cricket Team, with significant achievements attributed to their strategic scouting initiatives, such as participating in events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Ranji Trophy. This article delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the team, analyzing aspects such as batting, bowling, fielding, team format, temperament, captainship, and strategy making.
Strengths of the Indian Cricket Team in 2019
Batting
One of the highlights of the Indian Cricket Team in 2019 was their batting prowess, with an outstanding lineup featuring players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. These players provided a strong foundation for the team, ensuring a solid score against formidable opponents. Additionally, Maya Agrawal and Rishabh Pant added their valuable touches to the top order, ensuring the team was well-equipped for test match situations. However, the team faced a challenge in the opening sector, as KL Rahul struggled with his form, leading to a reliance on the top-order players for scoring.
Bowling
The bowling prowess of the Indian team was another strong point in 2019. Fast bowlers like J. Bumrah and J. Shami consistently delivered over 145 km/h, providing accurate and relentless pressure. Besides, spin bowlers such as A. Ashwin, K. Kuldeep, and R. Jadeja added diversity to the bowling attack. This combination of pace and spin proved to be lethal in many test matches, contributing significantly to the team's overall success.
Fielding
The improvement in fielding, especially under the leadership of MS Dhoni, has been most evident. Fitness and fielding have become integral parts of the team's success, especially in key positions. This improvement in fielding has been crucial in tight situations and has played a significant role in recent test matches.
Team Format
The team's format in 2019 showcased a balanced and versatile lineup. Typically, the team comprises 6-7 batsmen, 1-2 all-rounders, 2-3 fast bowlers, and 1 spinner. This varied configuration allowed the team to adapt to different match conditions and strategies. The onboarding of all-rounders like R. Jadeja, R. Ashwin, and H. Pandya further added to the team's flexibility in facing different opponent tactics.
Temperament
The Indian team is renowned for its aggressive temperament, which has been a significant factor in their batting and fielding successes. They handle opposing team's sledging with a strong counter-attitude, further enhancing their dominance. However, there are areas where the team needs to improve. Decision-making in selecting bowlers and timing the use of technology (Difference Run Indicator) remain points of development.
Experience
While the Indian team boasts several young and talented players, the experience gap in the team is a notable weakness. Leading players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara have the crucial experience, but younger players may lack this in crucial situations. Similarly, in the pace bowling department, Ishant Sharma is an experienced player, but others may not match his level.
Strategy Making
The strategic decision-making of the Indian team has undergone significant improvement in the past decade. The team now rotates players to manage their stamina and recovery, conducts thorough opponent and ground condition analysis, and leverages advanced scouting methods. These changes have been significantly aided by the team management staff and the coach, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
Conclusion
While the Indian Cricket Team in 2019 demonstrated remarkable strength across many areas, it is essential to address the identified weaknesses. Continuous improvement in fields such as decision-making and the experience gap is crucial for the team's continued success in international cricket.