How is Rohit-Gill's Attacking Approach Effecting India's Batting?
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has been a solid opening pair for India in Asia Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
The 'Men in Blue' are on a roll as they have managed to reach the Asia cup final for the 13th time. Before this tournament there was a lot of criticism about the Indian batting approach especially the openers. Before this tournament most of the runs were made by the Indian middle order. This shows that the middle order was doing most of the heavy lifting in the previous matches. It has also been a long time since both the openers had made a 50+ partnership in ODI’s. Surprisingly in this tournament the openers have come to the party with two 100+ and one 50+ stand.
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The two openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are currently the highest run scorers for India in this tournament. The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is Currently the highest run getter in the tournament with 194 from four matches at an average of 64.67. The young sensation Shubman Gill has also been impressive with 154 runs from 4 matches at an average of 51.33 as well.
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Cracking the Code: India's Opening Pair Revolution
Red: PP Figures before Asia Cup since 2023, Blue: PP Figures in Asia Cup (Source: OneCricket)
The Indian opening stands had created a lot of debates due to a lot of failures in the past. The first match versus Pakistan was another example where both the batters were criticised due to their lack of intent. This changed in the upcoming matches. Since May 2023 there was a bit of improvement shown by the openers with 310 runs in the last 3 innings at an average of 44.29. Even though these are good numbers, the number of dismissals which is 7 still caused a bit of problems.
This indicated that even though there was some intent they still struggled to convert their starts. That completely changed in this ongoing Asia Cup where the openers played a more attacking form of cricket. So far the duo of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma have scored 348 runs in 4 matches between them at a much better average of 58. Despite the 6 dismissals in this tournament, their swift starts relieved pressure on other batters.
The powerplay comparison further proves how the opening pair has performed. The last 12 innings before the Asia Cup also showed some great performances in the powerplay with 605 at an average of 86.43. But once again the 7 dismissals in the powerplay shows the lack of maturity in the openers once again. However this Asia Cup the openers have shown maturity with 195 runs with only one dismissal in the power play so far.
Conclusion
Both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have proved themselves on the big stage. This is a good sign for India going into this World Cup and has made it easier for the management. The main reason for the openers failing last season and the first few months of this season was not trusting their natural game. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are attacking players by nature and have used that to good effect this tournament.
This approach from these batters have put one of the best Pakistan bowling attacks already in this tournament. It will be exciting to see this Indian opening pair continue their dominance in the upcoming matches as well. The plan to upset the line and length of the bowlers by attacking them has been effective for the pair in this tournament.
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