The Rohit Sharma-led Team India continued their dominant form to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s, after finishing on top of Group A. The Men in Blue started their campaign with a comfortable win over Ireland and then pulled off thrilling victories over Pakistan and the USA.
With these results, India confirmed their spot in Super 8s before their final group game was washed out. But now in the Super 8 stage, the Men in Blue must address a few issues to end their ICC trophy drought.
3 Things India needs to address ahead of Super 8s in T20 WC 2024
Form of opening pair
Despite playing on difficult tracks in New York, the Indian batting played decently well with a few batters scoring runs consistently. But after the USA leg, Team India’s biggest concern will be the form of its opening pair which includes the side’s best batters – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The Hitman has scored one fifty but failed to fire in the next two games while Kohli has only managed scores in single digits so far in the tournament. Hence the form of these stars will be vital for India in the Super 8s.
Rusty spin attack
Through these three group-stage games, the Indian fast bowlers have dominated with the ball while spinners have had a diminished role. The left-arm spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have only bowled nine combined overs in the first three overs, picking up only three wickets. Further, India’s best spinner Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t featured in any games so far and hence in the Super 8s, the form of this trio will be crucial.
Low-order hitting
Power-hitting from the low order was deemed one of the biggest issues for Team India ahead of the World Cup which still seemed unresolved. India’s lower order comprises Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel who have fired at all in the group stage barring a few short performances. Hence in the Super 8s, the Men in Blue must ensure it power hitters rediscover their form as it could very well have a major impact on India’s chances to win the trophy.