India vs Australia: ‘Kohli might have to bowl few of his little mediums’, says Tom Moody on India’s sixth bowling option


India vs Australia: ‘Kohli might have to bowl few of his little mediums’, says Tom Moody on India’s sixth bowling option

Tom Moody and Virat Kohli

Tom Moody and Virat Kohli

The Indian team missed the luxury of the sixth bowling option during the first One Day International (ODI) match against Australia. Four of India’s five bowlers had an off-day at the Sydney Cricket Ground as India conceded 374 runs. Several cricket experts feel that the ‘Men in Blue’ need someone in the top six to bowl some part-time overs.

ADVERTISEMENT

Former Australian coach Tom Moody also expressed his concern on this matter. The 55-year old said that the Indian skipper Virat Kohli might have to himself bowl some overs to bridge that gap.

It will be interesting to see how they manage it,” Moody said on ESPNCricinfo of India’s sixth bowler. 

Also Read | “Surprised that none of the top five can bowl a little bit” – says Michael Vaughan

ADVERTISEMENT

“What’s the alternative option? Perhaps Kohli himself might have to bowl few of his little mediums. One of the things that are becoming quite clear even though it’s early days in the tour – and I’m only talking the white-ball series – is that Australia looks far more settled and organised as a unit. They’ve got all their bowling options sorted. They’ve got experience in those bowling options at Finch’s disposal,” the former Aussie cricketer said.

‘Invest time in Hardik Pandya’

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya played as a proper batsman and not an all-rounder during the inaugural game of the series. However, the 26-year old showed his resilience with the bat, emerging as the top run-getter (90) in the Indian innings.

Tom Moody feels that Hardik Pandya fits in the top six of the Indian team without any second thought. He believes that team India should continue investing time in Pandya for the future.

“If you’re planning towards the future, and the best balance for an Indian ODI side, a fit Hardik Pandya is an absolute no-brainer in the top six. He gives you what they desperately need – a capable batsman in the top six that can bowl. So I think it’s the right decision to pick up on the basis that one, he is carrying form into the series.

ADVERTISEMENT

“You know that you’ve got the perfect player in an area where if you’ve got any weakness in that Indian team it’s in that position so I will be persevering. You need to invest time in Hardik Pandya in my view,” Moody signed off.

Also Read | India vs Australia: “No one better than him for batting at 6 or 7” – Gautam Gambhir hails ‘specialist batsman’ Hardik Pandya