Mumbai: In the recently concluded T20I series, India's bowling strategy was distinctly focused on utilizing spin to challenge England. The team opted for only one specialist fast bowler, incorporating four spin options into their lineup. Varun Chakravarthy emerged as the primary asset, employing an unconventional bowling style that perplexed the English batsmen. His precision made it difficult for them to decipher his deliveries, resulting in an impressive tally of 14 wickets across five matches, with an economy rate of 7.67.

India's decision to include Chakravarthy in the ODI squad, made just before the series, indicates that coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma intend to maintain this bowling approach. Alongside Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, Chakravarthy's addition will significantly enhance the spin attack.

The pivotal question remains whether Chakravarthy can replicate his success in the 50-over format. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen expressed confidence that the English batsmen would perform better against the spinner in ODIs if they adopt a more patient approach. “The English batters would be better against him in the one-dayers because they can spend more time. It’s a longer format, not every ball is an event,” Pietersen remarked during a media event announcing his business venture in India.

Conversely, if the English batsmen maintain their T20 mindset against Chakravarthy, his selection could prove to be a strategic advantage for India. From this perspective, Pietersen noted, “I think it’s a great decision because Bazball is not for defending.”

Under the aggressive coaching of Brendon McCullum, England suffered a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series. This follows their loss in last year’s Test series in India while McCullum was in charge.

The results in the Test arena have not been favourable for them. A glance at their statistics reveals this. We will need to observe the outcomes in white-ball cricket, as they have only participated in a few matches and have already lost their initial series. I believe that if you were to inquire with them, they would admit that they are not achieving the desired numbers, stated Pietersen.

Regarding Rohit and Virat's form, at any other point in their careers, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would inspire admiration among their opponents in white-ball cricket, particularly in the 50-over format. This is their preferred format, and their statistics are impressive. Kohli has amassed 13,906 runs in ODIs, including 50 centuries, while Rohit has scored 10,866 runs with 31 centuries.

As India prepares for an ODI series against England at home, there is uncertainty within the cricket community regarding the expectations for these two players following their challenging performances in recent Tests. With the selectors taking a significant risk, the contributions of these senior batsmen will be vital for India's prospects in the Champions Trophy commencing on February 19.

Pietersen expressed his support for the ODI veterans. "When reflecting on their impact, one realizes how they made spectators feel during their performances. They brought joy to the game. It is not solely about statistics or the outcomes of matches; as I have experienced, people often remember how players made them feel. Virat and Rohit evoke a sense of amazement. Therefore, they deserve recognition, and criticism should not be a constant presence," remarked the former England batting great.

The impact of T20 on One Day Internationals (ODIs) is evident in the recent discussions led by Gautam Gambhir, who emphasized the aggressive and fast-paced approach that India intends to adopt. His philosophy centres around maintaining an ultra-positive mindset. This approach aligns with the concept of "Baseball," which is characterized by an offensive style rather than a defensive one. Consequently, the upcoming series promises to be highly entertaining, showcasing exceptional talent from both teams. Notable players such as Joe Root, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will contribute to what is anticipated to be an outstanding series.

Regarding Abhishek Sharma, I expressed to him after our encounter at Wankhede Stadium that his innings of 135 runs off 54 balls was the finest I have ever witnessed. The quality of his stroke play was extraordinary, devoid of any gimmicks such as reverse sweeps or ramp shots. It was a remarkable display of batting, exemplifying the ideal innings. Few players in T20 cricket can achieve a score of 150 while executing flawless innings, and his performance at Wankhede, known for its pace and bounce, was exceptional. In contrast, Sanju Samson struggled against the short ball, while Abhishek confidently faced Jofra Archer, delivering powerful shots. I am truly delighted for him; he possesses an excellent eye for the game.

The presence of Indian ownership in The Hundred has become a significant topic of discussion in England. Pietersen remarked, “Ultimately, one would be quite foolish to deny that India holds a dominant position in the world of cricket; anyone who contests this is mistaken. Observing the contributions India is making to global cricket, particularly the substantial financial investments seen in recent weeks within English cricket, is truly remarkable for the sport worldwide. My associates were involved in acquiring Lord’s, and the financial resources they are allocating to this venue are astonishing. I doubt the ECB ever envisioned being able to generate such a figure from a single team.

“This influx of capital is beneficial for English cricket, especially considering that many counties are facing significant challenges. The majority of this funding, predominantly sourced from India, is impressive.

“These acquisitions are essentially trophy assets. For instance, owning Lord’s is a prestigious trophy asset, and the Oval represents another significant trophy asset, particularly for the Ambani family. Additionally, GMR’s acquisition of Hampshire is a noteworthy trophy asset. It appears that Goenka may have recently purchased Manchester, which is now associated with LSG, located adjacent to the Manchester United football stadium. This represents a substantial asset.”

Read Also: Rashid Khan Sets New T20 Record: Surpasses Dwayne Bravo's Wicket Tally

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