India's Bowling Faces World Cup Test
India’s 351/7 looked like a strong enough total, but the third ODI against West Indies exposed a much bigger concern for the team the bowling attack.
India may have won the three-match ODI series 2-1, but the final game has raised questions about their bowling options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
For a long time, the questions around India’s ODI setup have focused on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and their participation in the World Cup.
But after what happened in New Chandigarh, according to social media fans, the question has started to shift does India have the right bowling attack to win a World Cup?
The conditions were not easy for the bowlers, with a batting friendly pitch allowing West Indies to chase 352. But India needed wicket taking options, especially when the pressure was building.
Shai Hope smashed 162 off 143 balls, while Amir Jangoo added 67 as West Indies reached 352/5 in 48.2 overs.
The bigger concern was India’s inability to stop the chase after getting opportunities. Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Naman Dhir picked up one wicket each, while Anshul Kamboj went wicketless.
India struggled to create enough pressure when West Indies needed 100 plus runs from the final 10 overs.
A flat pitch can explain some of the runs, but it cannot completely explain a 350 plus chase being completed with 10 balls remaining.
India had scored 105 runs in the final 10 overs of their innings, with KL Rahul finishing unbeaten on 129, yet the bowling attack could not defend the total.
The batting order may not be India’s biggest problem right now. If the team management cannot find a reliable group of wicket taking bowlers for ODI cricket, India could continue to concede 350 plus totals or allow opponents to chase them down.
India have still won the series 2-1, but the final ODI has highlighted a concern that cannot be ignored.
With the 2027 World Cup ahead, the bowling attack needs to find answers before this problem becomes bigger.
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