Captain Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in India’s bowling versatility despite overcast conditions in Dubai for their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh. India has experience at this venue, having played nine T20Is since 2021, and Rohit highlighted their adaptable lineup. With star bowler Jasprit Bumrah injured, Rohit will rely on multi-skilled players like Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja. Wristspinner Varun Chakravarthy, though inexperienced in ODIs, boasts an impressive List A record and adds depth. Meanwhile, Rohit hopes Mohammad Shami, recently returned from injury, will quickly regain his rhythm critical for India’s success.
What if the skies are gloomy in Dubai? Or if the deck has a hint of moisture, or the air feels a bit lively? No matter the circumstances this venue presents, India has the bowling resources to tackle any challenge.
“If the weather is overcast, we have the bowling talent to counter it,” he stated. “In conditions that favor bowlers overhead, we have the right bowlers to take advantage. And if we find ourselves batting in such conditions, our batters know exactly how to respond.”
A key strength of this India team, as Rohit pointed out, is the presence of “multi-skilled” players. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja are all potential contenders for the same playing XI. With premier bowler Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to injury, these could be bowlers Rohit relies on throughout the tournament.
“Those three – Jadeja, Axar, and Washy – provide us with a unique dimension to our game and overall squad dynamics, adding significant depth. That’s why we aimed to include players with multiple skills rather than limiting ourselves to one.”
Among India’s pure bowling options is wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Although he has only made one ODI appearance, his List A stats are impressive, boasting 60 wickets in 24 matches at an outstanding average of 14.80. According to Rohit, he is a player who thrives on deception.
“In the nets, he rarely showcases his variations. He primarily delivers one type of ball. Perhaps he wants to keep his variations under wraps, even from us, which is wise. He possesses certain weapons that he prefers to reveal only when the stakes are high. I fully support that approach.”
“His unique skill set is exactly why he is part of our team. Over the past eight to nine months, he has shown remarkable potential. That’s why we were eager to bring him on board and observe what he can contribute to India on a grand scale.”
Another player Rohit will depend on is Mohammad Shami, who made his international return last month after ankle surgery in early 2024. Across the two ODIs he played against England, he bowled a total of 15.5 overs, taking a wicket in each match. With Bumrah absent, Shami’s performance may prove crucial for India’s prospects.
“What we wanted most from Shami was simply to see him back in India colors. Whether he takes wickets or not was secondary to us during the England series.”
“When discussing a bowler like Shami, who has delivered for us on numerous occasions, it’s really about finding his rhythm again. We hope he can achieve that early in this tournament.”
Andrew Fidel Fernando is a senior writer at ESPNcricinfo. @afidelf