NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder
Robin Singh
believes that India's robust bowling attack can give them an advantage over England in the second semi-final of the 2024 Men's
T20 World Cup
, set to take place at the Providence Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana, on Thursday. This match is a rematch of the 2022 semi-final where England triumphed.
Singh argues that India's current form in both batting and bowling, alongside their unbeaten record, positions them favorably.
England, on the other hand, has faced a challenging journey to the semi-finals, dealing with rain and unpredictability.
"I still think India has an upper hand on this venue. The bowling combination that India possesses actually would suit this venue much more than England. The important factor for England is probably Jofra Archer and
Adil Rashid
. If India are able to counter those two guys, I think we can make some inroads into this England bowling attack," Singh stated in an exclusive interview with IANS.
Singh highlighted the depth and versatility of India's bowling attack, particularly the spin trio of
Kuldeep Yadav
, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja.
"From an Indian perspective, I think they've got most bases covered. The spinners have bowled well, they have really good attacking bowlers in the middle, and Kuldeep Yadav has done exceptionally well. The two other spinners (Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja) have been really steady," he said.
Jasprit Bumrah
, India's premier fast bowler, has also been a crucial factor. Singh pointed out Bumrah's versatility.
"Of course, you have the Bumrah factor, as he’s someone who can bowl at any stage of the game. So that's going to be another key component, as well as the other fast bowlers who have stepped up. So, it's going to be fun actually.”
India's recent performance against Australia, where they secured a 24-run victory, demonstrated the effectiveness of their spinners, who registered combined figures of 3-45. Kuldeep Yadav, initially excluded from the playing eleven in Group A due to fast-bowling-friendly conditions, has excelled in the Super Eights, taking seven wickets in three games.
Singh emphasized the importance of collective effort from the bowling unit.
"It's not just about one bowler, but it's about having a combination of bowlers who can put pressure on the batsmen that allows the other bowler to actually maximize. At the end of the day, it's a collective effort, and it doesn't matter who gets wickets, right? But it's important as a team to strangle opponents."
The fast-bowling pair of Jasprit Bumrah and
Arshdeep Singh
has been formidable, with Arshdeep emerging as India's leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets while Bumrah has contributed 11 scalps at an economy rate of 4.08.
"Bumrah has made a massive difference already and that goes without saying. So what is important is to understand that the conditions are very different to what it was in 2022. I think India has the armory and they have the team to suit these conditions far better than England," Singh elaborated.
As the teams gear up for their high-stakes encounter, the focus will be on how India's versatile bowling attack measures up against England's strong batting lineup, with a spot in the final on the line.
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