19 September,2017 11:53 AM IST | Kolkata | Gaurav Joshi
Sunday's grand show against Australia in Chennai was yet another example of how the men with the ball have been the chief reason for India's recent success
Hardik Pandya and captain Virat Kohli are over the moon after the all-rounder sends back Steven Smith in Chennai on Sunday.
The limited overs format has always been a batsman's game - now more than ever! But it has been the Indian bowlers who have paved the path of success this year.
Ever since Virat Kohli took over as captain, his ideology has revolved around taking wickets rather than restricting runs. No doubt, Kohli has had a variety of bowlers at his disposal, but his mindset has ensured India are no longer too dependent on batsmen to win games in ODI cricket.
India's Yuzvendra Chahal celebrates after dismissing Australia's Glenn Maxwell during the first ODI at Chennai on Sunday. Pics/PTI
The ball talks
It is no coincidence that India have won more games than any other team this year with a winning percentage of 73%, the best in the world since January. More importantly, the pleasing aspect is the fact that the bowlers as a unit have taken a staggering 129 wickets between them, 14 more than their closest rivals England.
The bowling stocks are deeper than ever and the way each bowler has evolved must be most satisfying for the captain and coaching staff. At Chennai on Sunday, India restricted world champions Australia to 137-9 with Yuzvendra Chahal (3-30), Kuldeep Yadav (2-33) and Hardik Pandya (2-28) combining well to guide the hosts to a 26-run win in the first of the five one-day internationals. The second game will be held in Kolkata on Thursday.
Also Read: Yuzvendra Chahal: Had Australia won, they would've said two new balls was a plus point
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has added a yard of pace. Jasprit Bumrah has proved he is no longer a death overs specialist, but also capable of taking wickets with the new ball. Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami manage to execute plans better than ever before.
Present perfect
Axar Patel's accurate left-arm darts have ensured Ravindra Jadeja's absence is not felt while wrist spinners Kuldeep and Chahal have been a revelation. Add the seam bowling skills of Pandya and suddenly India have a team that is equally formidable with willow and ball.
It's no surprise then that India have managed to take all 10 opposition wickets in over 40 per cent of their matches this year.
It is remarkable feat given India have played across various conditions and pitches. After many years, it is the bowlers that are creating headlines in Indian limited overs cricket.
