Metamorphosis in the Caribbean: India improvise, adapt, and overcome to change forms and evolve
The process of metamorphosis in nature, where an insect develops into an adult, usually takes several weeks. But a more accelerated version of it in a cricketing sense was seen in Team India's case. The phenomenon includes various stages of development, and India also had to go through something similar to a rite of passage to shake off New York from their system and remodel their game in the Caribbean.
They developed from being vulnerable and confined to spreading their wings in the end, settling down perfectly on the islands, like a home away from home.
The Men in Blue's innings began with Rohit Sharma looking lost at sea against Fazalhaq Farooqi and it ended with him taking the decisive catch to seal the 47-run win. Between these two events, India grew from strength to strength after a brief, but influential scare. The entire process was assuring to behold because it exhibited all the telltale signs of a champion side.
A lot of emphasis was placed on the stark contrast in conditions in the Caribbean compared to the USA. The factor was focused upon so much that it was deemed that India's ability to gauge the conditions would decide the fate of the match, and it was not far off, to be fair.
What worked in favor of Rohit Sharma and company was the fact that they remained undeterred by both the conditions and circumstances.
Afghanistan dazed and confused by India's recovering ability
The first impression that was laid upon right at the start of the innings was that someone in the top had to bat deep. Virat Kohli was the most favored candidate to do so because of his ability to build an innings, as well as his supreme technique on tacky surfaces. However, the top three were back in the hut even before the halfway stage of the innings,
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid made it clear during the early days of their regime in 2021 that the middle order should be prepared for top-order collapses, and ensure that the tempo is not compromised. Although it was not such a dire circumstance this time around, there was a dire need to introduce momentum and keep it going, rather than staying in a shell.
This is where Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav came in. Cameos from a No. 3 batter are unusual, and not encouraged in general, but Pant's 11-ball 20 was extremely crucial in the powerplay to maximise the fielding restrictions. From 11-1 in the third over, it was the flamboyant batter's charge that gave the team a sense of security.
Afghanistan could have done some things better in the first half of the innings, but they could not have done more in terms of pure wicket-taking. They had dealt with most of the top order and middle order by the 11th over, barring the big fish - Suryakumar Yadav.
His knocks in tough conditions and situations have a separate fan base altogether. Whether it be his fifty in Perth against South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup or his recent ton against SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. The match-winning knock against Afghanistan certainly makes the list.
Conceding over 100 runs in the last 10 overs on a slow wicket was the worst-case scenario for Afghanistan. They were in command when India were struggling at 67-3 with two new batters at the crease. Letting go of the game in this fashion, at that stage, proved to be Afghanistan's downfall.
Afghanistan's spin attack meant that the middle overs were quite difficult to negotiate on paper, but India's middle order was hardly threatened. Rashid Khan in the latter part of his spell and Noor Ahmad could not put pressure with dot balls or restrictions in boundaries as Suryakumar Yadav kept the innings running like a well-oiled machine.
Perhaps a couple of wickets in quick succession could have meant a different story for Afghanistan, but India simply found a way to recover as well as thrive. From 11-1 in the third over, they recovered to 47 at the end of the powerplay. From 67-3 after nine overs, they proliferated to 110-4 in just four overs time. From that point onwards, an above-par total was inevitable.
By the time the second innings began, India's metamorphosis was almost done. They had embraced the conditions completely and the second innings became a mere protocol as Bumrah ran riot and the spinners utilized the conditions just like they were required to.
Afghanistan were left hurt and outclassed at the end after witnessing India's metamorphosis from a worried worm to a blossoming butterfly. Butterflies can't sting, but it sure felt that way from Rashid Khan and co's point of view. India will hope to fly, soar, and hope to return to the same venue for the finals in a week.
Team India's bizarre decisions from the build-up slowly fit into the puzzle
The Men in Blue sprung up with several surprising decisions right from the squad selection to the playing XI in the tournament. Hardly anyone envisioned having four spinners in the squad, Pant batting at No.3, and Axar-Jadeja both being part of the side.
Team India have accepted the modern need for batting depth and have coupled it with the horses-for-courses approach, despite the fact it defies the 'on-paper' logic.
As a result, Rohit Sharma's insistence on batting depth and inclusion of four spinners are all slowly fitting in. Although time will only tell whether it was the right call, they are certainly heading in the correct direction.
Hardik Pandya's prolific stint in the USA meant that he could take up the role of the third seamer without any question. Kuldeep Yadav never looked like he was never out of the side, showing right away what he is capable of offering on these wickets.
The best part is, that fielding six potent bowlers with this combination is not compromising with the batting depth, as it includes three all-rounders. The batting depth certainly came into the equation as it allowed India to go hard even when they were on the back foot. Pandya and Axar chipped in with vital cameos to give India that cushion of runs over the par score.
Even with the ball, the all-rounders came through. Axar's ability to bowl in the powerplay gives Rohit Sharma the extra option, and the presence of three spinners means that Jasprit Bumrah can have a go with the new ball too.
The Men in Blue are still far from perfect - they need runs from the openers and Shivam Dube, and although Rishabh Pant at No. 3 has worked so far, one must admit that it is still a little volatile avenue.
However, being perfect has not worked for India in the past, so being a little crooked - merging the conventional with the unconventional might be the way to go for the Men in Blue.