Why Aakash Deep for Deepak Chahar is the Right Move for India’s ODI Squad

December 18, 2023

The recent decision to include Aakash Deep in place of Deepak Chahar for the ODI series in South Africa seems like a well-thought-out move by the Indian selectors. This decision holds merit on several fronts, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to building a balanced and effective team for the upcoming challenges.

One of the most compelling reasons behind Aakash Deep’s inclusion in the squad is his clean slate when it comes to past baggage. Unlike some of the other players who might carry the weight of past defeats, Akash Deep enters the international arena with a fresh perspective. This can be a crucial factor, especially considering the disappointment of India’s loss in the World Cup final.

Moreover, Aakash Deep’s inclusion provides an opportunity for efficient workload management among the pace bowlers. In a sport where player fitness and stamina play pivotal roles, managing the workload becomes imperative. By rotating pacers strategically, the team can ensure that key players are well-rested and perform at their optimal levels when it matters the most.

Cricket is a game deeply influenced by the conditions in which it is played. The decision to bring in Aakash Deep is not only about replacing a player but also about tailoring the squad to suit the challenges posed by South African conditions. Deepak Chahar, known for his ability to swing the new ball, might find himself less effective as the match progresses and the ball stops swinging.

On the other hand, Aakash Deep‘s style of hitting the deck hard and bowling aggressive lengths in the upper 130s makes him well-suited for conditions where swing assistance might be limited. His ability to adapt to different conditions and make an impact even in the absence of conventional swing adds a valuable dimension to the Indian bowling attack.

The inclusion of Aakash Deep also addresses the need for a like-for-like replacement in the team. In a format where batting depth is crucial, especially with the tailenders, players like Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur have been valuable assets. However, Chahar’s recurrent injuries and Thakur’s inconsistency with the ball opened the door for someone like Aakash Deep.

Aakash Deep, having showcased his batting prowess in domestic cricket, can add depth to the lower order. His ability to contribute with the bat when needed makes him a versatile asset, providing the team with additional options in the quest for a well-rounded playing XI.

The decision to include Aakash Deep in the ODI squad for the South Africa series is a strategic move by the Indian selectors. It not only addresses immediate concerns but also aligns with the team’s long-term vision, preparing for the challenges of the 2027 World Cup. With a fresh perspective, adaptability to conditions, and an added dimension of batting depth, Aakash Deep’s inclusion reflects a thoughtful approach to team composition in the dynamic world of international cricket.

Cricket Highlights, 17 Dec: New Zealand vs Bangladesh (1^st ODI) – BAN could not even fight against NZ.

December 18, 2023

New Zealand vs Bangladesh (1st ODI) – Highlights

Bangladesh could not change the fate of white balls on New Zealand soil. The Tigers succumbed helplessly to the Kiwis in the first ODI in Dunedin. The bowlers bowled flawlessly in the match reduced to 30 overs due to rain. After that, the batsmen could not play brave cricket.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 44 runs in Dunedin on Sunday (December 17) in the rain-hit first ODI using the Duckworth-Lewis method. Will Young’s century and Tom Latham’s 92 runs made New Zealand score 239 for 7 wickets in the 30-over match. However, in the Duckworth-Lewis method, the target in front of Bangladesh was 245 runs. But Bangladesh scored only 200 runs by losing 9 wickets in reply.

Batting for 245 runs, Soumya Sarkar got back by 1 run in the first over. He was caught at second slip by punching Adam Milne’s out-swinger before opening the run-book. At one down, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made a 46-run partnership with opener Anamul Haque Jr. However, Ish Sodhi picked up the ball and on the fourth ball, he got Shanto. The Bangladesh captain missed the line of the ball and got bowled. He scored 15 runs off 13 balls.

After Shanto’s departure, Bijoy raised the possibility of another pair. But he got out for the team’s 80 runs. Clarkson’s short-length ball bounced a bit too much. Bijoy gave an easy catch by making a mistake in timing while pulling. Bijoy returned to the team with the team’s maximum of 43 runs off 39 balls and 5 fours.

Liton Das was also playing well. But with only 12 runs added after Bijoy’s departure, Litton, who scored 22 runs off 19 balls, was caught behind the wicket by Clarkson’s short ball. Mushfiqur Rahim also did not last. Like Shanto, Mushfiqur who scored 4 runs was caught behind the wicket by Rachin Ravindra while doing a reverse sweep.

Towhid Hridoy and Afif Hossain were playing well in the sixth wicket pair. Bangladesh scored the maximum runs in this pair. But by that time the gap between run and ball was increasing. Hridoy was caught in front of the boundary while sweeping the slog off Sodhi. He scored 33 runs with 2 fours and 1 six before getting out. Afif, who scored 38 runs off 28 balls with 5 fours and 1 six, departed in the next over after Hridoy’s departure.

In the end, Miraz scored some runs to reduce the deficit. Miraz remained unbeaten on 28 runs off 21 balls with 1 four and 2 sixes.

Sodhi took 2 wickets with 35 runs in 6 overs for New Zealand. Clarkson and Milne took 2 wickets each. Besides, Rachin Ravindra, Duffy, and O’Rourke took 1 wicket each.

Earlier, Will Young and Tom Latham added 171 runs in the third wicket pair after losing two wickets for just 5 runs. Miraz bowled Latham who scored 92 runs off the first ball of the 26th over. But Mark Chapman started the rampage when he came to the crease. Young also joined him. They added 54 runs in just 22 balls in this pair. Chapman was run out for the team’s 230 runs. Before that, he scored 20 runs off 11 balls with 1 four and 2 sixes. Young took the century in 82 balls that day. Young scored 105 off 84 balls with 14 fours and 4 sixes before being run out on the second ball of the last over. Three Kiwi players were run out in the last over.

For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam took 2 wickets with 28 runs in 6 overs. Miraz took 1 wicket with 53 runs in 5 overs. On this day Soumya returned to the team and gave 63 runs in 6 overs. Moreover, Latham and Young’s catches were missed. After that, he failed in batting as well.

New Zealand vs Bangladesh Scoreboard

New Zealand – 239/7 (30.0)

Bangladesh – 200/9 (30.0)

Result – New Zealand won by 44 runs (30 overs per – side due to rain, DLS target 245)

Player of the match – Will Young

Will Young

New Zealand vs Bangladesh Playing XIs

New Zealand

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke.

Bangladesh

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Anamul Haque, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Hasan Mahmud, Litton Das, Shoriful Islam

Daily Archives: December 18, 2023