India are without their regular skipper Virat Kohli but have still played like champions. The Rohit Sharma-led side have won all their three games, including one against Pakistan which they won by eight wickets. The former Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal feels it’s because India have adopted to the conditions better, even more than Pakistan.
“With Hardik Pandya being injured, Ravindra Jadeja came in against Bangladesh and look how well he adapted,” Ajmal told Hindustan Times. “The all-rounder starts off with 4 wickets in the game. This is what makes you sit up and take note. If you notice, India haven’t looked to play attacking cricket with bat in hand. They have waited to launch an onslaught and have kept wickets in hand. The openers have given the team a good start in all the games. Rohit has been top-class both with bat and as captain. And now you have an MS Dhoni who looked in good form against Bangladesh.
“If you come to the bowling attack, you have Jasprit Bumrah who has been exceptional. Then you have someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvneshwar can bowl with both the new and old ball. Thanks to these two India’s death bowling has become strong. The spinners have also done an excellent job except for Yuzvendra Chahal.”
Ajmal acknowledged that the Indian team have more experience compared to Pakistan. “They have the experience and if you look at the Pakistan team, you only have a Shoaib Malik who is a senior pro. India on the other hand have 4/5 players who have been in the team for a while now. Yes, Pakistan might have beaten India in the final of the Champions Trophy, but that doesn’t take away the fact that India have experience on their side.”
