BENGALURU: It is in teamwork that India has found its strength. This is evident in their nine-match winning streak in the league stage. The numbers only prove what this team set out to do – to translate individual excellence into team success. The statistics of the players in this tournament once again confirm their dominance.
WC India vs Netherlands: India crushed Netherlands by 160 runs
as a team Rohit Sharma and his men scored 2,523 runs in 396.2 overs, the most by a team bowled under 400 overs. They have conceded 1708 runs in 450 matches, the fewest among the 10 teams. They have the second biggest margin of victory – 302 runs against Sri Lanka – and a total of 85 wickets taken by 10 bowlers.
individually, Virat Kohli with 594 runs (2×100; 5×50) he is the highest player with Rohit Sharma (503) occupying the fourth position in the batting charts.
He also scored maximum boundaries – 58 fours and 24 maximums. Add to that a tempo ace Jasprit Bumrah17 goals, which is the fifth highest in the competition so far. KL Rahulwhose wicketkeeping has come of age in this competition, he has 12 dismissals, the third best behind the stumps.
During the build-up to the FIFA World Cup, there were areas of concern that could hinder India’s rise. While there were many doubters, head coach Rahul Dravid was clear – he stuck to the team that was selected and worked around it.
Over the past year, India have often been criticized for the uncertainty surrounding the playing XI, particularly due to injuries Rishabh PantKL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer. While Pant dropped out of the World Cup race at the start of the year, the others regained fitness and bounced back. The fielding, which many thought was a sour affair, has improved. Rahul’s perfect timing behind the stumps equalized Ravindra Jadejaacrobatics.
Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav they were also agile. The pace attack proved deadly. Proven swing Bumrah, married to Mohammed Shamia Mohamed Siraj‘s seam, proved too hot for the opposition to handle. Not to forget Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja who are anything but one trick ponies.
“Different individuals have stepped up at different times. It’s a good sign for the team,” pointed out skipper Rohit after Sunday’s 160-run win over Holland.
Each of India’s wins has been clinical, drenched in all-round performance. Elaborating on a cup campaign that was mentally demanding and physically draining, Rohit explained, “Since we started the tournament, it was all about thinking one match at a time and playing that match well. We never wanted to look too far ahead. it was important for us to break it down and focus on one game and play so well.
Playing nine matches at so many venues was never going to be easy, but it was all painted on India’s drawing board.
“You play in different places and in different conditions, so you have to adapt and play accordingly. That’s exactly what we did. I’m very happy with the way we played in the nine games – clinical from the first game. Although we play a lot of cricket in India and we we know the conditions, when you play different opposition, it’s a challenge in different conditions,” said Rohit.
The star opener attributed the Midas run to the atmosphere created on and off the field. “We wanted to play the game with a lot of fun and excitement on the field, and that showed in our performance. When we try things like that, when we keep a nice, healthy atmosphere out there, guys tend to perform really well without any bur den.” With two games to go to clinch the trophy, the Men In Blue will continue their winning streak.
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