India vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2019: Azharuddin gives solution to India’s middle-order woes

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin suggested a change in India’s playing XI to bolster their struggling middle-order ahead of their last World Cup group match against Sri Lanka.

Ahead of India’s last group match in ICC World Cup 2019 against Sri Lanka, former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin came up with solution for India’s middle-order problems in the ongoing world event. Azhar suggested the inclusion of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to strengthen India’s batting line-up, which has been found wanting after the dismissal of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Azhar believed the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja will add muscle to the team’s faltering middle-order.

Mohammad Azharuddin wants Ravindra Jadeja in India’s World Cup XI(Twitter)

Virat Kohli’s India have already booked their spot in the final four and will aim for a top spot to play the fourth-ranked side in the semi-finals when they take on Sri Lanka on Saturday at Headingley, Leeds but despite winning 6 of their 8 matches - one ended in a no result - there has been lot of questions over India’s middle order. India’s batsmen have been criticised for losing momentum after the fall of their powerful top-order, which includes in-form opener Rohit Sharma and Kohli.

Azhar suggested that Jadeja, who is yet to feature at the World Cup, would be a useful addition with his left-arm spin and powerful batting.

“Maybe try Jadeja, he is a utility player,” Azhar, who is the only Indian captain to lead the team in three World Cups (1992, 1996, 1999) told AFP.

“In the last game (against Bangladesh) I thought maybe Jadeja could have played because you had a very thin batting line-up.

“Jadeja on these (English) wickets with the ball holding up and not coming on to the bat will be a force to reckon with. He is also a good fielder and a lusty batsman. They should try him against Sri Lanka.”

Watch | Virat Kohli trains ahead of match against Sri Lanka

 

Veteran big-hitter MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav have twice faced flak from pundits and on social media for not accelerating the score in the final few overs.

Their intent was questioned in India’s only league loss to England, when they managed just 39 runs from the last five overs when 71 was needed for victory.

Dinesh Karthik replaced Jadhav in the next game at Edgbaston, against Bangladesh.

“Definitely the middle order has not done well. You need to be prepared because sometimes the three wickets fall early,” said Azhar, a stylish middle-order batsman known for his wristy strokeplay.

“Rishabh Pant coming back has given the team some stability. But still, a lot was expected from Kedar Jadhav but he has not delivered.

“You need to have a re-look at the players who are going to play in the semi-finals.”

- Attack -

Azhar said Dhoni should not be singled out for blame but urged the middle order to attack.

Watch: Pakistan vs Bangladesh World Cup match highlights

 

“Sometimes you have to get on with the game,” he said. “If you lose your wicket it’s fine but you have to score runs.

“You have to apply yourself, you can’t play scoring shots all the time.”

Azhar hailed India’s bowling line-up led by paceman Jasprit Bumrah.

“The bowling has been exceptional. They have bowled according to the wickets,” said Azhar.

“Pitches haven’t been exactly free-flowing for batting. The tracks are not quick as you expect them. The ball is not coming onto the bat.”

Azhar is hoping that fresh wickets are used for the knockout games and not pitches that have already been played on.

He is confident that India can clinch a third World Cup triumph at Lord’s on July 14.

“Of course they can win the tournament, they have just lost one game. With another three games to go they can definitely lay hands on the trophy,” the 56-year-old said.

(With inputs from AFP)