India unlock 'fearless code'! Top order explodes just in time before West Indies showdown

CHENNAI: It’s finally firing just when it matters. The Indian top-order, which left a lot to be desired until now, came into its own on a batting beauty at the MA Chidambaram Stadium against a pedestrian Zimbabwe attack on Thursday. With West Indies looming next at Eden Gardens on Sunday, there is bound to be a sense of relief in the camp.

To start with, Abhishek Sharma got going, and the recycled opening partnership with Sanju Samson smashed 48 off 22 balls, which set the tone for the massive total of 256 for 4. Abhishek, during the course of his 30-ball 55, got his runs at a strike rate of 183.3, but he seemed to cut down on his recklessness. The lefthander’s bat swing is one of the best in the business, so it is not always necessary for him to try and generate extra power. On Thursday, he looked to time the ball more than strive for power and played the ball a lot straighter, making run-scoring look easy and relatively risk-free.



Explaining his unhurried approach, the southpaw said: “I just wanted to spend some time on the pitch. So far, I haven’t batted 10-12 balls. I want to thank my team; they backed me and reminded me that my time will come,” Abhishek said.

While Abhishek getting runs was a good sign before the must-win West Indies game, Sanju’s 24-run cameo, too, came in for praise. Firstly, the left-right combination was a welcome shift, and Zimbabwe couldn’t use one of their off-spinners right at the beginning of the Powerplay. Tilak Varma, who had to come down to No 6 because Ishan Kishan took his place at No 3, felt Sanju’s innings was important in India’s batting resurgence.

“It’s important that openers give a good start; Nos 3, 4 and 5 can come out with confidence when it happens. Sanju did that brilliantly today, and it was followed by others,” the southpaw said.

Tilak spoke about a change in approach by the batters ahead of the game that made a difference. According to the 23-year-old, it was coach Gautam Gambhir who sat with the batters and told them to go in with the mindset that helped them play so well in T20Is over the last year-and-a-half.

“We wanted to put fear in the mind of the opposition; we wanted them to realise that we’re coming for them, even if we lost a wicket… Gautam sir reminded us of the brand of cricket we played last year and against New Zealand and South Africa prior to the World Cup. So, whatever the situation, as individuals, our plan was to go out there, smile and enjoy the game,” Tilak said.

No. 6 is a position where Tilak hasn’t batted too much recently. He always enjoys a little bit of time in the middle, but following an indifferent patch at No 3, the team wanted him to take up the finisher’s role. More so, with Rinku Singh looking unlikely for the rest of the tournament following the death of his father. Tilak said he didn’t mind it at all, because “it’s all about the team’s cause”.

“I played that role for India as well as Mumbai Indians a few times. So, I’m up for it. This game is about adjusting according to the situation… I was just waiting for one good innings, and it came at the right time. I am pretty confident going forward that I can win games for the team,” Tilak said about his 16-ball 44.

Another player who batted with flourish was Hardik Pandya. His 23-ball 50 and economical three-over spell earned him the Player-of-TheMatch award.

“It was an innings where I had to reassess my style. Initially, I was trying to hit the ball too hard. Then I realised I could time the ball and did that. Now it’s about keeping our skillset and putting our best foot forward,” Pandya said.



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