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India's Batting Woes: Abhishek Sharma Passes 'Zero Baton' to Ishan Kishan

India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, bowled out for 111. Former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar sharply criticized the openers, stating Abhishek Sharma has "passed the baton of zeroes" to the previously in-form Ishan Kishan. He highlighted the specific technical challenge posed by off-spin bowling, warning of a similar threat from West Indies' Roston Chase. Nayar's analysis underscores India's urgent need to devise better plans against quality spin to revive their semi-final hopes.

Key Points: India's Batting Collapse Analyzed by Abhishek Nayar

  • India collapsed to 111 all out vs SA
  • Openers Kishan & Sharma failed early
  • Nayar warns of off-spin challenge vs West Indies
  • Team needs quick adaptation to reach semis
2 min read

T20 WC: 'Abhishek has passed the baton of zeroes to in-form Ishan,' opines Nayar

Former coach Abhishek Nayar critiques India's top order after T20 World Cup loss to South Africa, highlighting a 'baton of zeroes' issue.

"suddenly he has passed the baton of the zeroes to Ishan Kishan, someone who was in prime form. - Abhishek Nayar"

New Delhi, Feb 23

Following India's 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super Eights clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar assessed the team's batting collapse and the challenges that lie ahead, stating that Abhishek Sharma has 'passed the baton of zeroes' to in-form Ishan Kishan.

India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs after South Africa posted 187/7, with Marco Jansen taking 4-22 and Keshav Maharaj claiming 3-24. Despite a fighting 42 from Shivam Dube, the chase never gained momentum, with early dismissals of Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma compounding India's struggles.

Nayar noted the unusual predicament for India's top order and criticised the Indian openers' performance against the Proteas. "It's going to be a very uncomfortable discussion between Ishan Kishan and Abhishek as to who takes the strike because suddenly he has passed the baton of the zeroes to Ishan Kishan, someone who was in prime form. But this is a problem for India," Nayar told JioStar.

He highlighted the technical challenge posed by off-spin and the importance of strategising for upcoming matches.

"There is definitely going to be a discussion about how they can overcome an off-spinner bowling to them because, keep in mind, when they take on the West Indies as well, Roston Chase is going to bowl in the powerplay to them. So they will want to come back with better plans," Nayar said.

With the newer ball, when you hit the seam at times as a finger spinner, you can get that extra bounce, and that's the tricky part. If it's slightly slower in the air, like we saw there, and the ball hits the seam and deviates even a bit, that's enough in T20 cricket to get you out because it creates doubt and can earn you a wicket," Nayar added.

Nayar's observations underline India's need to adapt quickly against quality spin if they hope to recover in the Super Eights stage and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, it's so frustrating to watch. We have all this talent, but the planning seems off. Nayar's point about strategizing for off-spin is crucial. The West Indies match is a must-win now. Hope they come back stronger! 🇮🇳
A
Ananya R
"Passed the baton of zeroes" – that's a harsh but accurate way to put it. Both are explosive players, but consistency is key in a World Cup. Shivam Dube tried his best, but it was too much pressure on one player. The team needs to regroup quickly.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think Nayar's criticism, while valid, is a bit too focused on individuals. It's a team game. The bowling also conceded 187, which is above par on most grounds. The fielding had lapses too. We need an all-round improvement, not just from the openers.
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Karthik V
The technical analysis about the seam and bounce from the spinners is something only an expert like Nayar can point out. Our batters need to work with the coaches on these specifics. Hope they have a solid plan for Roston Chase. Jai Hind!
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Priya S
It's one bad match, people! Ishan was in great form before this. We shouldn't write him off. Abhishek is young and will learn. The team has the capability to bounce back. Let's support them instead of just criticizing. #BelieveInBlue 💙

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