India Are Not Getting The Kind Of Starts From Their Top-Order Which They Desire: Inzamam-Ul-Haq

Following England’s comprehensive win against India in the second ODI at the MCA Stadium in Pune, Inzamam-Ul-Haq opened up on the latter’s flaws in that game. Even though India scored nearly 20 runs more than the first ODI, England chased the target with six wickets and 39 balls to spare to level the three-match series. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq lamented India’s top-order batsmen for not scoring at a swift rate.

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan left India in a tricky position of 37-2, from where Virat Kohli and KL Rahul had to rebuild. Even though the pair added 121 runs, there was a lack of intent for the most part. Kohli consumed 79 balls for his 66, while KL Rahul took 114 balls for making 108. The pyrotechnics from Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya enabled the home side to reach 336. However, half-centuries from Ben Stokes and Jason Roy, while a ton from Jonny Bairstow helped England get past the target with ease.

Inzamam-Ul-Haq stated that India’s top-order did not get the kind of starts as desired. In contrast, England’s opening batsmen have done the job expected in both the matches, while India’s runs start to come from the middle-order. The former Pakistan chief selector pointed out that Shikhar Dhawan managed only four runs off 17 balls, while KL Rahul and Virat Kohli also played relatively slowly. Inzamam-Ul-Haq said that except for Rohit Sharma, no top-order batsman went at a run a ball.

“If we are to talk about India’s batting, they have just one problem. They are not getting the kind of starts from their top order which they desire. England on the other hand, start scoring runs from the top order itself. India do it from their middle-lower order. Shikhar Dhawan, an experienced players, has scored 4 off 17 balls. Kohli scored 66 off 79 balls. Even KL Rahul took 114 balls to score 108. There wasn’t a single player, except Rohit Sharma, who has scored at run-a-ball. Neither was Kohli able to do it, nor Rahul. He didn’t play like he usually does,” Inzamam told in his Youtube channel.

Stokes scoring 99 off 52 balls is where India lost the game: Inzamam-Ul-Haq

The 51-year old conceded that England were off to a rollicking start in the first ODI and their middle-order disappointed. Inzamam praised Jonny Bairstow’s defining hundred; however, feels that Ben Stokes making 99 off 52 deliveries was where Virat Kohli’s men lost the match.

“England had a similar start in the first ODI, but their lower order disappointed them. Their openers had given them a similar start there as well. Jonny Bairstow scored 124 off 112 balls but the man who made a difference was Ben Stokes, who hit 99 off 52 balls. This one knock turned the course of the match. India scored at 6.3 an over, and although Roy played equally well, Stokes scoring 99 off 52 balls is where India lost the game,” he added.

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