World Cup 2019: 5 measures India should take to beat South Africa in their opener

Even though it the most popular celebration right now in world cricket, but India would hate to see Imran Tahir’s marathon celebration after picking up an Indian wicket. Experts across the cricketing world believe that most of Tahir’s wickets are when the batsman are trying to attack him and hit him for sixes, he rarely takes wickets while deceiving them in flight and once batsman start milk singles, he isn’t that effective.

So it is crucial for Indian batters to milk him around for singles rather than attacking him and losing wickets. Tahir, 40, is in a stupendous form as he picked two wickets in their first World Cup match. As he is the oldest player of the tournament, Tahir would want to bid adieu as one of the best bowlers in World Cup history.

4. Jadeja in, Kedar out

After finally solving the NO.4 problem, there is another selection hurdle facing team India which is whether to play Ravindra Jadeja or Kedar Jadhav. There is no doubt that this is going to be a 330-350 kind of a World cup, so on such pitches, it is a must to carry an extra bowling option in Jadeja rather than the part-time option of Jadhav.

Also, Jadeja is among the best 3 fielders in the world and also an able finisher which he has shown in the 2 warm-up matches leading up to the World cup. Meaning he is actually a 3-dimensional player that India is seeking for. Another factor is that Jadhav hasn’t played any cricket since his shoulder injury during the IPL. So to balance the team, management should give a nod to Jadeja for the campaign opener.

5. Bhuvneshwar vs Shami

Given the swinging conditions in England, India might be tempted to include Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of Mohammed Shami. Bhuvi makes the ball talk when it is new but once the conditions ease out, he might go for runs as the pitches are flat. Shami, on the other hand, can strike irrespective of the conditions and should make it to the playing XI. Moreover, Shami also has a better record against Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla which tilts the scales in his favour.

~Written by Parth Parekh