Subhayan Chakraborty & Debasis Sen from Thiruvananthapuram
India will play their second and final warm-up match against the Netherlands in the picturesque southern state of Kerala. Following a rained-off game against England, the defending champions, in Guwahati, India will be eager to fine-tune their skills at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, October 3. This preparation will be crucial as they embark on their World Cup journey against Australia in Chennai on August 8 (Sunday).
As the Rohit Sharma-led team prepares for the prestigious event on home soil, Tinu Yohannan, the former India cricketer, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with RevSportz. He discussed various topics, including the omission of Sanju Samson, the local hero, India’s pace attack, the exceptional qualities of Jasprit Bumrah, the X-factor that Ravichandran Ashwin brings to the team, the rising star that is Shaheen Shah Afridi and more.
Here are the excerpts:
Was Sanju Samson unfortunate to miss out?
Tinu Yohannan: It is disappointing not to see Sanju Samson in the squad. After the T20 World Cup, we all thought Sanju has a definite chance to feature in the ODI World Cup but for me, more than his performances in whatever chances he got, I think his competitors in the side outperformed him. Whoever got their opportunities, be it Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, or Shreyas Iyer, they stood out. The limited opportunities they got, they made the best out of them. That made his chances less, [rather] than Sanju not performing. That way, it is good for Indian cricket, the kind of competition we have. Sanju will come back. He is working hard. He has taken it in his stride and is looking forward to making a mark whenever he gets his opportunity next.
What do you think of this Indian pace unit and the entire bowling attack?
Tinu Yohannan: For the last few series, since Bumrah has come back, the bowling unit is looking really strong and is a team in itself. One of the pacers is stepping up in each game to help the team win, be it Shami, Siraj, or Bumrah. It is a really good sign for the team. It is not like all are having a good day together; then all are having a bad day altogether. They are working as a unit. It is a really good sign to see. The support and consistency of Hardik Pandya have been really impressive as well whenever he comes to bowl. Now when it comes to the spin department, getting back Ashwin was the best decision the management took because that experience is so valuable when it comes to playing at home and in the World Cup. We saw what he can do against a top side in Australia.
Could Ashwin be the X-factor in this World Cup?
Tinu Yohannan: That experience matters so much, especially in crucial situations. Even his batting – if you remember the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, the way he came and absorbed the pressure to leave the ball for a wide before hitting the next delivery for four. His presence itself made a difference at the crease. That kind of senior presence in the dressing room will make a big difference. But other than that, his bowling, against bigger teams like Australia, England, New Zealand – you need those kind of characters and match-winners to change the course of the match. I think Ashwin is the right choice. Ashwin will be a surprise weapon, and him alongside Jadeja and Kuldeep make one of the best spin troikas in the World Cup this time.
How good has Bumrah been since his comeback?
Tinu Yohannan: Bumrah is world-class. His skillset is unique. And the best part is that despite a lengthy injury, his pace has not gone down, and he is still moving the ball at will. He is still taking the ball away from both right-handers and left-handers, so the skill set is there for all to see. But then his biggest strength is his mind. He keeps it simple and brings any situation under control. He’s not taken aback by any situation. He will have his bad days; every athlete does, but he is never fazed by it. He has a lot of clarity in what he wants to do. I feel that’s his biggest strength.
Should India go all out with all three pacers – Bumrah, Siraj and Shami?
Tinu Yohannan: It depends on the conditions. In Chennai, and when it is very damp or overcast, you may use your fourth pacer. Otherwise, two pacers with Hardik is the best combination and of course, Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Ashwin. That will be the best pick for the combination, and that gives the privilege to play your five solid batters as well. If you are playing in Dharamsala where you might need your fourth pacer, then you can be flexible enough and bring another pacer into the play.
What makes Shaheen Shah Afridi so dangerous?
Tinu Yohannan: Shaheen is a top-class bowler. His control over his incoming deliveries against right-handers, with his speed, and that potential to swing it big with the new ball, makes him dangerous. If he gets his rhythm going, then you have to see him through. You have to respect him. If you handle his first two, three overs well and put him under pressure, then you can tackle him. But his first two to three overs are extremely crucial. And now he has developed a very deceptive slower ball as well, which makes him dangerous in the middle overs, and batters should be aware of that skill too. A high-quality bowler and a threat for Indian top-order batters in the India-Pakistan game.
Coming back to pacers…who are your fast bowlers to watch out for in this World Cup?
Tinu Yohannan: For me, Trent Boult with the new ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. One guy I am very excited to see is Mark Wood. He can make a difference for England with sheer pace.
Who would be your semi-finalist picks?
India, England, New Zealand, and Australia. Pakistan looks difficult right now; they are showing glimpses but are not consistent. And mind you, South Africa can be a dangerous side on their day.