Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami (AP Image)
Bangar reckoned that the Indian bowling unit boasts a lot of variations as any player can take on the responsibility at any point of the game, which will certainly make the task difficult for South Africa.
Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar seems quite hyped with the face-off between the Indian bowling attack and South Africa’s star-studded batting unit. Both powerhouse sides are set to square off in their upcoming match of the World Cup on November 5 in Kolkata. Ahead of the big-ticket clash, Bangar made an early prediction about how Indian bowlers would play a pivotal role in deciding the fate of the match. Bangar showed his faith in India’s on-song pace attack, comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Mohammad Siraj.
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Bangar reckons the Indian bowling unit boasts a lot of variations as any player can take on the responsibility at any point of the game. This will certainly make the task difficult for South Africa.
“The South African batters will have trouble facing Indian bowlers. If you try to get past Bumrah, Siraj will get you. If you get past Shami, then Kuldeep will get you. So that’s the kind of bowling attack that India has at the moment,” Bangar explained on Star Sports.
His comments came after India trounced Sri Lanka in their last World Cup game and it was the bowlers who stole the show in Mumbai. Batting first, the hosts posted 357 runs on the board. Coming in to defend the huge target, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj gave the Sri Lankan batters no time to settle at the crease. Both pacers dished out their best with the new ball to produce the early damage.
After Siraj picked three wickets in his first spell, Rohit Sharma called on the man in form, Mohammad Shami, early and the decision clicked well. The veteran fast-bowler ripped through the Sri Lankan batting to claim his second five-for of this World Cup campaign. With 14 wickets in just 3 matches, Shami has already secured a place among the leading wicket-takers in the tournament.
Bangar further spoke about the difference in the bowling attacks of India and South Africa. According to him, the Proteas may struggle with their fourth and fifth bowling options against the Men in Blue.
“For South Africa, maybe the fourth bowler or the fifth bowler is slightly a weak link. That’s where Indian batters will certainly have it slightly easier when they’re facing South African bowlers,” the 51-year-old said.
Keeping aside Bangar’s critical analysis, South Africa have already shown their strength in bowling in this World Cup. Their frontline pacer Marco Janson has picked 16 wickets in 7 matches, while Kagiso Rabada has also got 11 scalps under his belt.