Aakash Chopra: India need to go back to five-bowler theory

Aakash Chopra 17:48 24/03/2017
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  • Rahane will need to lead on the field and with the bat if Kohli doesn't play [Getty Images]

    Both India and Australia are claiming, with legitimate reason each, to have the momentum going into the final Test of their four-match series in Dharamsala.

    On one hand, Australia managed to keep India at bay in Ranchi and on the other, India came back strongly after losing the toss on a flat pitch.

    In my opinion, India walk into this Test with a slight advantage by the virtue of really stretching Australia’s resources and resolve in Ranchi.

    But still, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that the pressure is on the hosts to make all the running and produce a result in their favour, for a series scoreline of 1-1 will not only help Australia retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but would alsobe considered a marginal victory for the visitors to have stopped the Indian charge on home soil.

    In the light of Australia’s meek surrenders in Asia over the last few years, avoiding defeat in a series against the world’s number one ranked team will be an outstanding feat.

    GO BACK TO FIVE-BOWLER THEORY

    After the loss in Pune, the Indian team shelved its successful five-bowler strategy for an extra batsman. Since India won the second game and the batting didn’t fire as expected, they didn’t consider revisiting the old tactic in Ranchi. And that seemed to have backfired, for it became quite apparent that the Indian bowlers ran out of fuel towards the end.

    KULDEEP YADAV'S FIRST-CLASS STATS

    • Matches: 22
    • Runs: 723 [at 28.92]
    • Wickets: 81 [at 33.11]

    Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have bowled over 700 overs each in this long home Test season (no bowler in the history of Test cricket has bowled more overs in a season) and therefore might need some support to see them through the final leg.

    While Jadeja is visibly fitter and hasn’t looked that tired, Ashwin’s lack of penetration in the previous Test might have been due to the extraordinary workload.

    The pitch in Dharamsala has donned a fairly brown look, a sign of being bereft of live grass and moisture, and that might be a temptation to add an extra spinner. While Jayant Yadav is ahead in the queue, I would like to see Kuldeep Yadav handed a Test cap.

    TAKE A CALL BETWEEN ISHANT AND SHAMI

    In the last 12-18 months, Ishant Sharma has looked at his best – the seam is coming out bolt upright and he has also started bowling a lot fuller. In addition to that, he’s clocking decent pace to go with his consistent lines.

    Unfortunately, the wickets column hasn’t reflected his good work. He’s taken only three wickets in this Test series at an average of 154. Every other seam bowler who has played in this series has taken more wickets. Even Pat Cummins has more wickets after played only one Test.

    While Numbers Do Lie [couldn’t resist a plug, ay Aakash? – Ed] often, India might have to bite the bullet and drop Ishant for Mohammed Shami in this game.

    Recently, Shami played two List A games, was a part of the team in Ranchi and has traveled to Dharamsala. All this indicates he is coming back to fitness and even though it might be unfair on Ishant, it’s more prudent to play Shami on Saturday.

    KOHLI’S FITNESS AND RAHANE’S ROLE

    There’s a serious question mark over Virat Kohli’s availability and therefore, the focus shifts on his deputy – Ajinkaya Rahane. Even though the Mumbaikar’s half-century in the second Test laid the foundation of a famous comeback, he’s some distance away from his fluent best.

    If Kohli doesn’t play, Rahane will have to shoulder the responsibility of holding the middle-order together. His role as a captain will also be under scrutiny, for India’s bowling plans came under criticism in Ranchi.

    Since India need to do the running around for a result, the role of a captain increases manifold. He won’t just be expected to score as much as Kohli but also, lead the team with the same energy and intent.

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