What should be on the agenda for Team India’s practice session this evening?

Team India. Image: Debasis Sen

India took its first step in the ICC T20 World Cup, albeit with a wobble. As the team assembles in Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium ahead of their fixture against Namibia, the mood is likely to be calm rather than celebratory. A win against USA has given India the points and early momentum they needed in the tournament, but a checklist of areas to tighten remains before the true rhythm of the competition sets in.

At the top of that list is adaptability with the bat. In the last game at the Wankhede Stadium, India were surprised by the movement on a two-paced wicket. The top order was slow to recalibrate and lost wickets in quick succession, until skipper Suryakumar Yadav steadied the ship. Deliberately holding back shots and adjusting the pace of the innings according to conditions will be one of the key areas India are likely to focus on. While Surya guided India to a safe total last time around, the side cannot afford to rely on repair jobs repeatedly.

Middle-order rescues also become crucial on tricky decks. Going by how the team practised during the Asia Cup – the last multi-nation tournament they played in this format – India are unlikely to change much in terms of their proactive approach. One hallmark of this Indian side is their belief in the process and their commitment to sticking with what works, even when results do not immediately go their way.

On the bowling front, there was reassurance in the last outing, although with the caveat of Jasprit Bumrah missing the game due to a viral fever. All eyes will be on the premier pacer, who is likely to return to the field. Whether Bumrah goes through a full-fledged practice routine on Matchday-minus-two remains to be seen. The management may yet choose to give him additional rest as he recovers from illness.

Even without their spearhead, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh delivered results. Their discipline against USA was impressive, and during practice they will look to sharpen their plans at the death. Yorker execution and variations with the slower ball are likely to be areas of focus before India come up against stronger batting line-ups later in the tournament.

Fielding, however, cannot escape scrutiny. Even in the months leading up to the World Cup, India’s fielding woes were evident. Dropped catches under pressure can happen, but India’s catching efficiency has declined considerably in recent times. High-intensity catching drills, boundary riding and ground fielding exercises are set to form an important part of this evening’s session.

The Delhi nets will give the team an opportunity to rehearse chaos and discomfort. India head into the contest as overwhelming favourites, but if this edition of the T20 World Cup has taught us anything, it is not to underestimate the so-called minnows and their ability to test stronger opposition.

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Also Read Surya’s Defining Innings Could Shape India’s World Cup Destiny

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