Three Mistakes that Cost India the 3rd T20I Against Australia

The third T20I clash between India and Australia in Guwahati on November 28 witnessed a breathtaking Glenn Maxwell century that propelled the visitors to a nail-biting victory with five wickets to spare. Despite Ruturaj Gaikwad’s sensational innings and a formidable total of 222-3 posted by India, several mistakes proved costly for the Men in Blue, allowing the Aussies to make a comeback in the series, which is now delicately poised at 2-1 in favor of the hosts. Let’s delve into the three critical mistakes that led to India’s defeat.

Delayed Introduction of the Sixth Bowler

One glaring pattern observed throughout the series is India’s reluctance to deploy a sixth bowling option, even in high-scoring encounters. In the third T20I, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh struggled, yet captain Suryakumar Yadav refrained from turning to potential bowling options in Tilak Varma or Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The need for reliable top-order batters who can contribute with the ball is evident, not just for the immediate game but for India’s long-term strategy. Utilizing an over or two from a part-time spinner could have provided a solution, addressed the issue of expensive frontline bowlers, and added variety to the attack.

Over Rate Woes and the Last Over Conundrum

Prasidh Krishna’s erratic lines and lengths in the last over were compounded by India’s over rate issues, forcing an additional fielder inside the ring. The first ball of the over, a short delivery to Matthew Wade, was poorly executed, considering only three fielders were on the leg side.

India’s spinners generally maintain a quick over rate, but the team’s tardiness meant they had only four fielders outside the ring in the crucial final over. This lapse allowed two crucial boundaries – a pull from Wade and a heave from Maxwell – that might have been avoided with a full complement of five fielders.

Delayed Utilization of Axar Patel

Despite India’s spinners outperforming their pace counterparts, there was a significant delay in using Axar Patel’s final over. Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel had controlled the middle overs effectively, with Axar conceding just three runs in his first over and picking up a wicket in his third.

However, captain Suryakumar opted not to complete Axar’s quota of overs earlier, saving him for the 19th over. This decision proved costly, as Axar leaked 22 runs, with blunders from Ishan Kishan and an unfavorable match-up against Matthew Wade tarnishing his figures.

The question arises: Why didn’t Suryakumar Yadav allow Axar Patel to bowl four overs consecutively and get them out of the way earlier in the innings? This delay in utilizing Axar’s full quota of overs allowed the Aussies to capitalize on a vulnerable phase and ultimately contributed to India’s defeat.

India’s loss in the third T20I against Australia can be attributed to tactical errors, including the delayed introduction of a sixth bowler, over-rate issues affecting field placements, and a belated use of Axar Patel. As the series hangs in the balance, it is crucial for Team India to reflect on these mistakes and rectify their approach in the upcoming matches.