Despite the challenging batting conditions at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, India emerged victorious in all three matches against Ireland, Pakistan and the USA.The team will now face Canada in their final Group stage match at Lauderhill, Florida, before progressing to the Super Eight stage.
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Although the conditions in New York were not conducive to spin bowling, Chawla suggests that the Indian spinners will play a crucial role as the tournament progresses. India boasts a strong four-pronged spin-bowling lineup, which includes Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.
“The pitch in New York was very dicey and the way India performed on that pitch and won three out of three games, there are very good chances (of the team) going forward,” Chawla said talking to the reporters at the IISM Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, as reported by PTI.
“The spinners were not needed as much in New York but once you enter the second leg for the ‘Super 8’, the spinners will have a big role in the West Indies. Our spinners will come into play now,” he added.
(The Indian think-tank: Captain Rohit Sharma & head coach Rahul Dravid – PTI Photo)
Chawla said his choice of specialists spinner in India’s eleven will be Kuldeep even though Chahal had an outstanding IPL season.
“To be very honest only one will play, and I think Kuldeep will be the first preference because of what he has done in the last one and a half years. You have Axar and Jadeja who can give you the batting depth, so I feel Kuldeep will get the nod,” he said.
Kuldeep expressed his opinion that the challenging playing surface at the New York venue allowed top-tier sides like India to showcase their skills.
(Captain Rohit Sharma addressing team in a huddle – BCCI Photo)
“It was tricky, no doubt, but good teams have done well. Like India defended 120 runs against Pakistan,” he said.
“When they had made just 119, I do not think many people would have given them the chance; but the way the Indian bowling unit bowled, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik (Pandya), that was really a treat to watch,” he added.