<p>In response to a question two months prior regarding the dearth of part-time bowling options in India’s World Cup 2023 roster compared to the abundance of such players in the victorious 2011 team, captain Rohit Sharma had jokingly replied, “Hopefully Sharma and Kohli can bowl some overs in the World Cup.” Even though he acknowledged the disadvantage in response to the same question, Rohit’s predictions seem to be coming true based on the two practise sessions India has had in Lucknow before to their league-stage encounter against struggling England.<img decoding=”async” class=”alignnone wp-image-257324″ src=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/theindiaprint.com-youll-need-someone-like-kohli-to-step-up-indias-pre-world-cup-anxiety-before-their.jpg” alt=”theindiaprint.com youll need someone like kohli to step up indias pre world cup anxiety before their” width=”1152″ height=”645″ srcset=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/theindiaprint.com-youll-need-someone-like-kohli-to-step-up-indias-pre-world-cup-anxiety-before-their.jpg 300w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/theindiaprint.com-youll-need-someone-like-kohli-to-step-up-indias-pre-world-cup-anxiety-before-their-150×84.jpg 150w” sizes=”(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px” title=”"You'll need someone like Kohli to step up": India's pre-World Cup anxiety before their match against England is sparked by Hardik's absence 3″></p>
<p>One of India’s most notable attributes in international cricket has vanished in less than ten years: the availability of part-time bowling alternatives. Throughout their careers, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Suresh Raina all bowled often, with a select handful even recording respectable totals. Having such guys is advantageous since it allows the captain to easily change his main bowlers and give them that extra cushion. For India, this is currently not the case.<br />
With Ashwin as a third option, the starting XI now consists of four major bowlers, two all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya, and five staple batters, including the wicketkeeper. India now has six alternatives for bowling. Hardik is the most important player in this lineup—possibly even more so than Rohit and Virat Kohli. His better comeback to white-ball cricket as an all-rounder has given India lots of options to investigate in the bowling department; nevertheless, the squad seems little disorganized the minute he leaves the starting lineup.</p>
<p>As the additional seamer and batsman at number six, Hardik provides vital balance to the playing eleven. However, because to the all-rounder’s injury, which is allegedly expected to keep him out till the conclusion of the league stage, India had to make two changes for their earlier this week matchup in Dharamsala against New Zealand. They did succeed in winning the championship for the sixth time in a row, and they are anticipated to use a similar tactic against England on Sunday in Lucknow. However, this might prove to be counterproductive in subsequent contests.</p>
<p>Is Ashwin versus England a simple decision?</p>
<p>In order to compensate for Hardik’s all-around skills, Mohammad Shami and Suryakumar Yadav were added to the starting lineup for the match against New Zealand, with Shardul Thakur warming the bench. Given the Lucknow pitch, India may decide to start Ashwin in instead of Shami on Sunday, giving them further batting depth.</p>
<p>Despite the fact that it should be a simple replacement option, India will now only have two specialist pacers—Mohammed Siraj and Shami—after Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket performance against New Zealand added to the selection dilemma for the team.</p>
<p>The World Cup-related worry materializes</p>
<p>Given that it is hard to make up for Hardik’s absence, India appears to be in severe need of a sixth bowling option among its top-order batsmen. Sarandeep Singh, a former spinner and selector for India, thinks that India may have that option from someone like Virat Kohli, who rolled his arms for only three deliveries in the match against Bangladesh last week. On Thursday in Lucknow, he and Shubman Gill were seen bowling in the nets.</p>
<p>“Six bowling options—with or without Hardik—should be available. Teams from other leagues have begun to improve. Suppose Bumrah is having a rough day. Kuldeep was struck the other day, but he recovered. Although teams haven’t been able to score 350 against us, it is possible.</p>
<p>“You will need someone like Kohli to chip in with two of every three overs if you are not going to get a sixth bowler. Sarandeep told PTI, “India has to prepare for any eventuality, and I’m confident they are doing that.</p>
<p>Prior to the World Cup match in Pune, Rohit was also seen bowling in the nets to Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja as Ashwin watched on him. Not to be overlooked, Shreyas Iyer can also spin off.</p>
<p> </p>
“You’ll need someone like Kohli to step up”: India’s pre-World Cup anxiety before their match against England is sparked by Hardik’s absence
