India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, suggested that the team might adjust its bowling attack for the final group stage match against New Zealand on Sunday, having already secured a semifinal spot. However, Doeschate clarified that maintaining team balance is crucial as they aim to finish top of their group with a perfect winning record. New Zealand has also qualified for the semifinals, making Sunday’s game decisive for the Group A leadership.
Doeschate mentioned that intensive training sessions have been part of their preparation. He emphasized the priority is to ensure key players are fit and ready for the semifinal on March 4th. He also noted the need to avoid over-resting players. To strike this balance, they are considering distributing the bowling workload, while still aiming for a victory against New Zealand.
He further explained the importance of keeping the winning momentum and securing the top group position. These factors will be carefully considered when making selection decisions.
Regarding captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness after a previous injury concern, Doeschate reassured that Sharma is doing well and managing his condition effectively. He also pointed out that the upcoming match might turn into a spin bowling contest, given that New Zealand also has a strong spin attack.
Doeschate acknowledged the unexpected reliance on spin in the tournament, contrary to initial expectations. He praised the bowlers’ performance and noted the pitch conditions have favored spin, anticipating a similar scenario in the next game.
Discussing wicket-keeping options, Doeschate recognized the difficulty for Rishabh Pant, who has been on the sidelines due to KL Rahul’s strong performance. He highlighted the value of having two high-caliber wicket-keepers and the need to keep Pant prepared for potential opportunities.
Addressing the pitch conditions and scoring, Doeschate clarified that while scoring might not be easy, achieving a score around 280-290 is realistic with good batting. He noted the pitches are different from those in places like Pakistan, where higher scores are common, emphasizing the need to adapt and aim for a competitive score based on the wicket.
Finally, Doeschate expressed satisfaction with the rest the players have had since the Pakistan game on February 23rd. He discussed managing bowlers’ workloads, especially considering the short turnaround between games, and the option of strategically managing over quotas to keep them fresh for both the upcoming semifinal and potentially the final.
