India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered an insight into the team’s possible strategy in terms of bowling in the upcoming clash against New Zealand. The Men in Blue will take on the Kiwis in their final group stage fixture of the Champions Trophy on Sunday. Ahead of the contest, Doeschate stated that the team’s priority was to ensure that their best players are fit and available for the semi-final on March 4.
Will India make changes to bowling line-up for NZ tie?
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Doeschate maintained that while it is important to keep their bowlers fully fit for the semis, winning the contest against New Zealand was also a top priority. He said that the team could probably share the bowling during the tie against the Kiwis, adding that it was also equally important to top the table and finish with a win.
“We’ve had two pretty tough training sessions, so that’s been the preparation. In terms of the bench strength, I think the priority is making sure that we have our best guys available and fully fit for the second game. But we also don’t want to rest them for another two days. So to get that balance right, we might just try to share the bowling out a little bit. But we obviously want to win against New Zealand as well. It’s important that we keep that momentum going and obviously to top the group as well. So the balance of those two things I just mentioned [is] to be thought about,” Doeschate said.
Latest news
- ‘Rohit Sharma keeps pulling my leg’: Kuldeep Yadav admits he’s ‘very bad with DRS’
- Kuldeep Yadav strangles South Africa with spin to bag 4-fer in Vizag, goes past Anil Kumble
- How KL Rahul ignored Virat Kohli’s advice to win first ODI toss for India in 2 years
He also said that it was essential for the bowlers to retain their rhythm, given that India have had a week’s break since their last against Pakistan. Doeschate stated that one of the options was to try and see if the players don’t bowl their full quota of overs.
“So that’s what I was alluding to. One of the options is to make sure the guys don’t bowl their full quota of overs, if that opportunity allows itself. But we’re ready to manage that in the field and try and keep the guys as fresh as possible for the first and the final,” he added.
