Playing Safe For 40 Overs With Bat Might Cost Them In A World Cup - Michael Vaughan On India's Batting Approach In ODIs

Former England captain, Michael Vaughan criticizes Team India’s batting approach in ODIs after the Men in Blue conceded 337 runs in 44.3 overs in the second ODI on Friday.

While the hosts did put a total of 336 – which was then proven to be below par on a flat pitch – it was abetted by the last 10-over assault from Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya as India were 210 by the 40th over mark. On the other hand, the visitors were closing in on the victory at the same juncture.

Michael Vaughan opines that Team India’s approach of batting cautiously till the 40th over before launching an attack is redundant, and one which may cost them heavily in the 2023 World Cup.

He believes that while Virat Kohli’s side has enough batting talent to post a total in excess of 375 on a flat pitch, such as the one in the second ODI, however, they need to be more aggressive from the start of the innings – similar to the way Eoin Morgan’s team has been in the past 5 years.

 “Today should be a lesson to India … Playing it safe for 40 overs with Bat might cost them in a World Cup at home in 2 yrs … they have enough power & depth to get scores of 375 + on flat wickets … England leading the way with this approach … #INDvENG” tweeted Michael Vaughan.

Very poor Captaincy: Michael Vaughan

The 46-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator also slammed Virat Kohli for his bowling changes. Kohli brought the spinners back just after Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Prasidh Krishna gave India a glimmer of hope with 3 wickets in 2 overs  – this left everyone including Vaughan perplexed.

Both Krunal and Kuldeep were having forgettable outings, and the re-introduction was baffling as Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone settled themselves in the two overs avoiding any more hiccups preventing India to come back in the game, as in the first ODI. The third and deciding ODI will be played at the same venue on Sunday.

“These bowling tactics are very very odd !!! Surely India must bowl the best bowlers NOW !!!!!!!!! Very poor Captaincy …. #INDvENG” the former captain added.

Today should be a lesson to India … Playing it safe for 40 overs with Bat might cost them in a World Cup at home in 2 yrs … they have enough power & depth to get scores of 375 + on flat wickets … England leading the way with this approach … #INDvENG

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 26, 2021

These bowling tactics are very very odd !!! Surely India must bowl the best bowlers NOW !!!!!!!!! Very poor Captaincy …. #INDvENG

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 26, 2021

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar Tests Positive For COVID-19