Asia Cup 2022: "It's not the right criteria to judge the Indian team" - Gautam Gambhir on whether the Men in Blue are looking ready for the World Cup
Gautam Gambhir believes India's Asia Cup 2022 performances are not the right criteria to judge their preparation for the T20 World Cup to be played later this year in Australia.
The Men in Blue suffered back-to-back defeats against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their first two matches of the Super 4s stage of the continental tournament. They now need a miracle to qualify for the final to be played in Dubai on Sunday, September 11.
During a discussion on Star Sports after India's defeat against Sri Lanka, Gambhir was asked whether Rohit Sharma and Co. look ready for the T20 World Cup. He responded:
"It's not the right criteria to judge the Indian team by these two performances. No doubt, the performance could have been better against both Pakistan and today, but this unit will look totally different when you have your main bowlers back."
Gambhir pointed out that the return of Jasprit Bumrah, Harshal Patel and Mohammad Shami will give the Indian bowling attack a formidable look. The former India opener explained:
"When Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel come back and if you include Mohammad Shami in this bowling lineup, you will see it as a totally different attack."
He added:
"Imagine how much depth you will have if you have Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami with the new ball, and either Arshdeep [Singh] or Harshal Patel later."
Selectors waiting for fitness report on Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, India's T20 World Cup squad announcement likely after Asia Cup final. (According to InsideSport)
Bumrah and Harshal missed the ongoing Asia Cup due to injuries. Shami, who has not been considered for the shortest format since last year's T20 World Cup, might be back in the mix for India's series against Australia and South Africa.
The updated list of most runs scorer in Asia Cup can be viewed here.
"What Arshdeep did and showed in the last over was exceptional" - Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir was particularly delighted with Arshdeep Singh's exploits at the death against both Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the ongoing Asia Cup. He elaborated:
"What Arshdeep did and showed in the last over was exceptional. So now, you have a left-armer who can bowl at the death. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep, Harshal Patel - suddenly you will feel that everything is becoming better."
Gambhir feels the Punjab pacer could become a long-term Team India prospect if he ups his game with the new ball. The cricketer-turned-analyst observed:
"For me, India's problem was always the death bowling before this. The five balls that Arshdeep bowled were amazing. Arshdeep probably proved a little expensive with the new ball. If he gets better with the new ball, he can become a proper bowler for India for a long time going ahead."
Yes India lost the match but still Arshdeep Singh needs appreciation, the way he bowled the last it's been really impressive. Very sad to #Bhuvi, couldn't imagine India won't qualify for the final. Hope for the best #INDvsSL #AsiaCupT20 https://t.co/1adXf9GaM4
Arshdeep had only seven runs to defend in the final over against both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He nailed most of his yorkers and took the match to the penultimate delivery on both occasions.