While India managed to win the 2nd T20I in a very thrilling chase against New Zealand, there are some chinks in the Indian batting unit.
The pitch at Lucknow was not an ideal one for T20I cricket because not a single six was hit during the match.
Additionally, skipper Hardik Pandya has commented upon the pitch being a shocker and slammed the groundstaff for improper preparations.
Bowling first, India restricted New Zealand to just 99/8 in 20 overs and then Suryakumar Yadav finished the match with one ball to spare.
Apart from Pandya, many fans and experts have also commented on the state of the pitch at Lucknow after the 2nd T20I.
On the other hand, former India cricketer, Gautam Gambhir has lashed out at India’s openers, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan.
Gambhir especially is unhappy with Kishan’s struggles. After scoring a double ton against Bangladesh in December, he has looked completely out of form.
During the match at Lucknow, batters on both sides were struggling heavily to bat and play shots properly.
Moreover, the audience did not see a single six in the entire match which was quite a disappointment for them.
Meanwhile, Gill and Kishan, known for their aggressive batting styles did not make the most of the opportunity.
Which is why Gamhhir says that getting a boundary might not be an easy one on such pitches, batters must learn to rotate strike quickly.
Gambhir slams Ishan Kishan after poor outing in 2nd T20I
Says Gambhir,
I think these young players need to learn quickly how to rotate strike because, on a wicket like this, it’s not gonna be easy to go down the ground and hit those big sixes. It’s not only one chink in his armour. Indian unit as a batting unit has struggled against spin. Just the ability to not be able to manoeuvre, it’s easy to hit those big sixes but the ability to rotate strikes consistently. And there was enough purchase for spinners as well. It was pretty much evident when you got Michael Bracewell against Ishan Kishan.
In his last 15 T20I games, Kishan has been able to score only 106 runs which is not great considering a batter of his stature.
Adds Gambhir,
It’s a surprise because of the way he batted in Bangladesh after scoring that double-hundred. He has struggled after that, everyone thought his graph will start growing up wit the kind of innings he has played.
The third and final T20I between the two sides is tomorrow at Ahmedabad.
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