India’s batting has transformed into a weapon of mass destruction

India sealed a triumph in the T20I series against New Zealand with a crushing victory in the third match of the series. The three wins in a row gave India an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. As soon as the Indian innings began, the two openers went on a rampage. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi just tore apart the Kiwi attack.

The statistics that have emerged from the match are astonishing. By scoring his fourth century, Abhishek Sharma has now drawn level with Surya Kumar Yadav and Phil Salt in the number of centuries in men’s T20I. Only Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell with five centuries each are ahead of him. But Abhishek is only 26 now, so there is a strong likelihood that he will end up as the highest century scorer in this format.  

Another interesting fact is that on eight occasions, Abhishek has smashed the first ball for a six. This has not been done by any other player in the world. Also, this was the second time that he slammed 11 sixes in one single T20 innings. Hitting sixes is like child’s play for the prolific Indian left hander.

India chased down a target of 199 in just 13.2 overs as Abhishek smashed a breathtaking 113 off 38 balls, completing his century in just 35 deliveries. 

At the other end, teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 45 off 19 balls to set up India’s emphatic victory. The openers launched an extraordinary assault, taking India to 118 without loss in the first six overs. It was a bloody carnage that the New Zealanders will not forget in a hurry.

Records tumbled like ninepins

The records tumbled over like ninepins in a bowling alley. India’s T20 batting keeps finding new levels of incredible power hitting. India smashed 118 without losing a wicket in the first six overs, thereby setting a new record for the highest powerplay score. Then it reached 150 runs in 7.4 overs, which was another record in T20I history. Then, India completed the 199 run chase with 40 balls to spare. It was the fastest successful 190-plus chase in history.

So, what makes India such a batting powerhouse in the T20 format in international cricket? India currently boasts one of the most explosive batting line-ups in world cricket. Many experts are saying that India’s batting line up, especially in the T20 format, is the best in the world.

Unlike the past eras, India’s batting now extends deep down the order. It means that even lower-order all-rounders and pinch-hitters can change a game. The top-order and middle-order mainstays (such as Abhishek, Vaibhav, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma) play with high strike rates and fearless stroke-making.

India exploits the powerplay best

India’s top order is designed to fully exploit the powerplay conditions. India now relies on explosive starts to immediately dictate the game’s tempo from the very first ball. Under the circumstances, one can feel only sympathy for the rival bowlers. 

On Tuesday, October 27, Adam Milne leaked 17 in the second over. Michael Bracewell’s off-spin found no grip and he went for 21. Kyle Jamieson, the fourth bowler in four overs, conceded two sixes and two fours in a 20-run over. 

Mitchell Santner, the most miserly bowler of the series so far, was not seen until the ninth over. He finished with 3-0-17-1. By the time he came in, India had scored 156 for one. So, the result was never in doubt. 

India’s T20 tactics are clear

India’s T20 tactics are clear. After the opening blast comes a formidable middle order. Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer have transitioned into second line weapons. Both of them provide unmatched determination and have frequently clicked at strike rates approaching 200 during high-stakes competitions.

And then there is the matter of psychological freedom. India regularly bats all the way down to number 8 or 9, thereby providing the top order complete mental freedom to take high risks. With destructive power hitters like Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy occupying the lower-middle slots, the batting unit rarely stalls, even if early wickets are lost.

This freedom has transformed India into the most dangerous batting sides on the world T20I circuit. India regularly scales the 200-plus milestone. Clearly, at the moment, India has one of the best talent pools in the world. 

However, let us not lose sight of the fact that the bowling could be better. To be a truly great team, both batting and bowling must be awesome. Like a modern version of Bradman’s Invincibles of 1948. 

So, the Indian think tank has to get down to examining the bowling options and draw up a blueprint that will bring our bowling attack on par with our batting. The sooner this is done, the better.

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