How should the Indian openers approach the Power play?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

image-l9twb4z6KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma (Source: AP Newsroom)

India will be up against South Africa in their third match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The match will be taking place at the Optus Stadium in Perth. 

The biggest problem for India has been their opening stand. They are yet to give a solid start to the team in this World Cup. The task for the two batters against South Africa will be even tougher as the South Africans have a great aggregate of pace bowlers- Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell and Anrich Nortje. 

Let us first have look at the stats in the stadium to have an idea of what the Indian openers could expect tomorrow. 

image-l9tt8xygPower Play record at the Optus Stadium, Perth

Observation

The Power Play overs have been difficult for the batters at the Optus. The batters have mostly been watchful at the start of the innings. 

The stats make one thing clear that in the initial stages of an innings in both the halves, the pacers have dominated the scenario. Even the solitary wicket of a spinner belongs to Maheesh Theekshana, who is a skiddy kind of bowler. 

Hence, bowlers who are quick of the deck type of bowlers will be dangerous on the wicket. 

Threats for India: Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje

Records of the Indian openers against Rabada and Nortje

image-l9tvm8w0Indian openers vs South African pacers

The South African pacers have not picked up the Indian batters enough. But one thing is for sure Rohit might find it a bit difficult against Kagiso Rabada. 

Also, the fact that the match will be played in Perth must be kept in mind. Whatever the numbers suggest it is not going to be a walk in the park for the two Indian batters. 

Expectation

Given how the pitch has behaved till now, the two openers will be having a tough time at the beginning. South Africa might even consider bringing in Marco Jansen in place of either Keshav Maharaj or Tabraiz Shamsi. This might turn out to be an interesting strategical ploy by the Proteas given the weakness of the Indian top order against left-arm pacers. 

As far as Rohit and Rahul is considered, KL should look to take the calculated risks while Rohit takes his time at the beginning to settle down. The two batters need to ensure that they don't go into their shells and keep the scoreboard moving for the team. 

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: India vs South Africa: Key Face-offs