With the announcement of India’s squad for the Asia Cup, two topics have dominated discourse. The first being the many returns from injury, and the second being a topic that often rears its head for India around tournament time. This is the fascination with part-time bowling options.
Indeed, many were quick to lament the lack of bowling in India’s top order, presenting the argument that a lack of depth here will be fatal to World Cup chances down the line. The argument follows that a team needs to have as many bowling options as it can fit into one team, with a need for someone in the top five to offer a serviceable option. Whilst a popular view, this is a flawed one.
For one, it fundamentally ignores the nature of the current India squad. In some teams, take England for example, there are major question marks over the bowling options in the middle order. Whilst both Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone offer spin options, it is fair to recognise they have limitations in what they can offer. Both are prone to expensive spells and having Joe Root there as a backup option takes pressure off their bad days.
As I see it, India’s bowlers at 6 and 7 are much stronger. Any combination of Hardik, Jadeja, Axar, and Shardul from 6 downwards offers plenty with the ball without completely throwing the batting to the wolves.
The other issue with the part-timer theory is that it ignores the reality of modern white ball cricket. Shifting format to T20, the part-timer is the bowler who top order players look to dominate. Instead of being someone who you can sneak a few overs out of, this is becoming a player who batters look to launch into the stands.
A memory that jumps to mind is a hapless Australia sending in Steve Smith to bowl to Jason Roy in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. The notion of the top-order part-timer ignores the fact they are simply less skilled than their bowling teammates. They are a weak link and will be treated as such.
If India do not win the Asia Cup or the World Cup, it might be because of batters struggling to score big runs or it might be to do with bowlers leaking runs and lacking wickets. It probably won’t be because Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli didn’t bowl.
