Rohit, Virat are getting into the groove, but Nos 4-5-6 have made a massive difference: Ravi Shastri

Despite always being among the favourites for any series they go into, Team India have had a long-standing draught when it comes to ICC tournaments. Among the coaches who took a shot at changing that was Ravi Shastri, and the former Team India coach had a few observations as to what could change this trend for the Men in Blue.

Shastri believes that a transformed Indian batting unit can be the reason why they would be the obvious favourites to lift the 2022 T20 World Cup. Talking about India’s decorated batting order, Shastri said, “What India lacked in the last 5-6 years is the No 4, 5, 6; now Surya coming at 4, Hardik at 5, DK/Pant at 6, allows the top order to play in the manner they are playing.”

He further added, “Even if you are two down in the powerplay, you still have the ammunition at the back to consistently take on the bowlers, which wasn’t the case for some time. In that way this line-up is settled. Rahul has come back from injury, adapted well; Rohit, Virat are getting into the groove, but Nos 4-5-6 have made a massive difference. For big players like Virat or Rohit, the World Cup stage will itself ignite them.”

Fans have pointed out that the alien surfaces of Australia can be a major challenge for any batters who aren’t used to the situations. However, Shastri believes that for the Men in Blue, it is exactly the opposite.

He pointed out, “This Indian team, they have played superbly in Australia. Those tracks suit their batting. If you are one of the best batting sides, irrespective of how good your bowling or fielding is, you have the chance to win the Cup. You qualify for the semis, your batting takes off, you can beat any opposition. On conditions, India having been there four-five times in the last five-six years will make a massive difference.”

Not only did he talk about the surfaces but he was also highly appreciative of Hardik Pandya, saying, “A fully fit Hardik is the cog in the wheel. He makes all the difference in this batting line-up. When you are an all-rounder, I speak from experience, you take one department away, you are not the same cricketer. Moment you can do both, you are a tiger.”