5 issues the Indian T20 team needs to address right now
The Indian team have had a disappointing run off late in T20 cricketNo one seemed to have predicted that India would be outplayed in such a convincing manner in the T20 series against South Africa. Dhoni's men have looked unenthusiastic and insipid in the two matches so far. South Africa has taken advantage of that lackadaisical attitude with clinical precision and professionalism.With the T20 World Cup about to be played in the sub-continent next year, these are worrying signs for the Indian team. There are quite a few areas of concern for the team which they have to take care of in the limited time leading up to the World Cup. Here are the five main issues that the Indian T20 team needs to address right now.
#1 Find the right No. 7
If there is anything that India is missing right now, it has to be a genuine all-rounder. With Axar Patel coming in at number seven, the Indian batting order does look a man light, as of now. There's no doubting Patel's ability to get runs for the team on every odd occasion, but he has not been consistent enough so far.
Manchester United isn't the only team that has been struggling to find a proper number 7 -- India's fate has not been any different for some time now. Ravindra Jadeja, Stuart Binny and Axar Patel have all had their chances, but none of them have been able to do enough to make the spot his. Binny does remain a good option on pitches which assist seam movement. But since the World Cup will be played in sub-continent conditions next year, India will be looking to find a spinning all-rounder.
Jadeja has been doing well at the domestic level and a sustained run of good form might earn him a recall to the side. There have been ambitious claims for Yuvraj Singh to be given another opportunity. And if the IPL is taken into consideration, there are quite a few youngsters who deserve a look in.
India cannot afford to keep changing their No. 7 or go into the big tournament with a player who is low on confidence. The handful of T20Is leading up to the World Cup should be used wisely to find someone who can do the job consistently at the highest level.