Twenty 20 cricket since its inception in 2004 has redefined the game completely, capturing every cricket lover's attention. The number of T20 matches being played has witnessed an increase over the years. A whole new level of Batting innovations, Bowling variations and Fielding spectacles has become a part of cricket.
This re-conceptualization of the game has also seen teams now winning the toss and opting to bowl first. This latest trend has observed more and more teams winning matches batting second, so is the case with team India.
The Indian team has won 45 out of the total 65 matches which they have played fielding first, losing only 18 with 2 No results. This is the highest number of wins by any team so far, followed by Australia and Pakistan.
Run machine Virat Kohli has a history of chasing down huge targets, leading from the front in these run chases. However, which other players prefer batting second? Does India's bowling attack contribute to their chances of winning while chasing?
This made me analyse the average runs scored by Batsman in the 1st innings and in 2nd innings along with Bowlers average of conceding runs in both the innings.
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This re-conceptualization of the game has also seen teams now winning the toss and opting to bowl first. This latest trend has observed more and more teams winning matches batting second, so is the case with team India.
The Indian team has won 45 out of the total 65 matches which they have played fielding first, losing only 18 with 2 No results. This is the highest number of wins by any team so far, followed by Australia and Pakistan.
Run machine Virat Kohli has a history of chasing down huge targets, leading from the front in these run chases. However, which other players prefer batting second? Does India's bowling attack contribute to their chances of winning while chasing?
This made me analyse the average runs scored by Batsman in the 1st innings and in 2nd innings along with Bowlers average of conceding runs in both the innings.
Analysis:
- It is quite evident that most Indian batsman score better in their 2nd innings.
- Dinesh Karthik has the second best average after King Kohli, displaying the kind of form he is in T20 internationals.
- Manish Pandey and KL Rahul have almost the same average when it comes to batting first or second, which very well should cement their spot in the team.
- Jasprit Bumrah with almost same average in both the innings sums up his consistent performance for India.
Both the Batting and Bowling department working in tandem has led team India become almost invincible while chasing. However, we also realize why Indian team has struggled whenever put to bat first by the opposition.
Teams such as Pakistan (Currently number 1 ranked T20 side) have more wins batting first then chasing targets. Toss becomes a crutial factor if India depends heavily on chasing, which is a reason to worry considering Virat Kohli's fortune in winning tosses.
What should be the ideal team composition to have a more balanced lineup? Do you think Dinesh Karthik should make a comeback as a finisher in the Indian squad? If so, who should he replace? Would like to know your views on the same!!
