3 min readNov 29, 2015 03:46 PM IST
First published on: Mar 5, 2015 at 10:57 PM IST
Not only the in-field but the fielders outside the circle have stepped up. (Source: Reuters)
Mohit Sharma was lucky to get a place in India’s World Cup squad after Ishant Sharma was ruled with an injury. He would have never thought that he will be one of the better performers for his side. (Full Coverage| Points table| Fixtures)
There have been quite a few surprises at this World Cup and India have surprised many. Not only the bowling but with fielding as well. It can be said that Mohit started it all when his perfect throw ran-out AB de Villiers. Then there was another moment of brilliance in the field by Umesh Yadav. He ran-out David Miller.
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There were times the Indian skippers used to find ways to hide their slow fielders. M S Dhoni also had to work hard on this but things have changed. When a batsman sees the likes of Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane around him, his scoring shots surely go down.
Not only the in-field but the fielders outside the circle have stepped up. The two run-outs are not the only examples. When Raina put down a chance against UAE on Saturday, it was India’s first drop catch in the World Cup.
On India’s fielding, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg said that India’s fielding has made them a strong team and they are difficult to beat.
A praise like this from an Aussies means that the standard has really improved.
Dhoni approves it too. After India’s win over South Africa, he said:
“I have time to think more about the strategies rather than trying to use four or five good fielders and seeing what’s really needed, whether I need to stop the singles or I need boundary riders who can stop the twos and the threes.”
Good fielding does release a lot of pressure off the captain and the bowlers also put in a lot of effort after watching their fielders putting in a dive to save the runs.
When India take field against West Indies, they will once again hope to put up a great show in the field.
As far as run-outs go, India hold a record that will take some effort to be beaten – in ODIs, India have affected 713 run-outs, more than any other team. Australia second best with 674.
Not only the in-field but the fielders outside the circle have stepped up. (Source: Reuters)
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