India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun on Tuesday said the team combinations being used in the ongoing ODI series against Australia may not necessarily be repeated during the World Cup in England starting May 30.
India go into the final ODI against Australia here on Wednesday aiming to complete their World Cup auditions for a couple of slots that were up for grabs.
“These are not necessarily the combinations which will be used during the World Cup but we would like to know how people perform in different situations for us to pick up a balanced team,” Arun said on the eve of the final encounter.
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The coach did not elaborate much but stated emphatically that the Indian team is quite sure about its combinations for the World Cup in England.
“More or less, the team is quite sure of what combination is but we would like to try out all our options before the World Cup. We want to be extremely sure (of) what we want before we go into a major tournament like World Cup,” the coach said.
The bowlers conceded 300-plus runs in successive games but Arun said critics shouldn’t forget that this Indian team’s success rate is 75%. However, the former India medium-pacer did call the losses a welcome wake-up call.
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“If you look at our success rate, it is more than 75% and it is huge for a team. These things do happen. I am happy it has happened now because it throws open a lot of factors where we can improve before the World Cup,” said Arun.
“Definitely there are certain areas we need to address both in bowling and batting. We have to stay positive irrespective of whatever has happened. It’s a great learning experience from the way series has gone,” he added.
Ashton Turner took the game away with an unbeaten 84 off 43 balls in the chase of 359 and Arun said it was a combination of dew as well as poor execution.
“We had plans ready. I am not going to give excuses. Dew was a part of the game. You have to accept and try to overcome the situation.
“We did not bowl as well as we had planned for him. I am sure we will do well if the same situation arises.”
“In England, the weather is also to be taken into account. So, we understand our combinations to counter the conditions.”
'Unfair to compare Pant and Dhoni'
Arun also defended under-fire Rishabh Pant, saying it is unfair to compare the young wicket-keeper batsman with the great Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Delhi boy Pant faced criticism after a shoddy job behind the stumps oin Mohali.
“Unfair to compare Pant and Dhoni. Dhoni is legend, his work behind the stumps is exemplary. When Virat needs someone to talk to, he is a huge influence on the team,” said Arun ahead of the series decider here on Wednesday.
Arun was all praise for all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who has become a serious contender for a World Cup spot with some standout performances with both bat and ball.
“Vijay has gained in confidence. He has batted brilliantly at (different) positions given to him. He batted at number four, six and seven. The confidence he has gained with his bating is rubbing onto his bowling as well. He was bowling at 120-125, now he is touching 130. He is a huge positive for the team,” added Arun.