As the World Cup is over, it’s time to think about
the glorious contributions of our players, which led to the free-flow buoyancy
up to the semi-final. Whether it comes to stronger Pakistan or strongest South
Africa, the 300 run mark was so easy, not only because of strong opening
foundation, but also by the responsible carryover of the middle order batsmen.
While runs were converted into centuries by the top order, the sustenance of
momentum was keenly looked over by middle order. Now, peeping into the miraculous,
meticulous, marvellous batting of middle order, the names read Dhoni, Rahane
and Raina.
On close cut view,
though the centurions enjoyed the lime-light appreciation, trapped the
Man-of-the-Match trophies, it was these men who made work easier and reduced
the pressure of making big scores. They also deserve appreciation, as they were
instrumental in not allowing the tail enders to get pads on!
Raina
Whenever he comes down
to the middle, he ensures of boosting up the score. His blitzkrieg 110(104),
against Zimbabwe was the key factor of our win, replacing Brendon Taylor’s
138(110). He has a brilliant strike rate of 103.92 in 6 innings he played. He
comes down with a surgeons’ knife and performs the operation.
Not only his batting
skills that matters, but also his bowling skills in which he was allowed to go
full monty of 10 overs for a good economy rate of 4.00 against Ireland. Every other
match, we have seen this unsung hero, who drips in one or two overs to control
the run- flow. Whenever it matters a part-timer to deliver, the very first
choice for Dhoni is Raina. Now about his fielding, live wire on the field, even
the game is worse for us, he is still on with his ‘NEVER LEAVE A BALL’ attitude,
and he might be a marmoreal of Jhonty Rhodes.
Rahane
Out for just three
against Pakistan, but rose up like a roaring lion against the big guns Proteas
and scored 79(60). But, no one nor he would have thought that would be his
highest score in this tourney! His averages in previous tournaments were not
good. Though, he was selected into the team, for his incredible performances in
domestic IPL cricket, he was made to warm benches for many series. The lack of
experience in playing different conditions was seen, through his batting
performances. In the semis, he wasted too many deliveries which prevented
Dhoni, to get the strike. But considering him as a fielder, he has a safe pair
of hands, as he doesn’t miss too many catches. He is one of the finest fielders
of our country. Since, he hasn’t played any big matches, other than the World
Cup; he needs to prove his mettle. Though, Raina and Dhoni constitute major
role in middle-order, Rahane needs to stand up, not only for the team also for
his place in the playing XI!
Dhoni
A real charismatic
captain, cool, calm and composed, dynamically plays his role as a batsman and
as a wicket-keeper. This World Cup has seen him in a more matured way and the
way he lead the side has been the talk-of-the-town. Most importantly, he
back-bones the middle order, with his experience of various ground conditions
and also as a senior (in current side). If half the side is sent back to the
pavilion, he stands tall to rescue the sinking boat. Whenever the run-rate is
bit high or the conditions in the middle is quite unnatural, he promotes him up
the order and makes sure, that the game comes under control which makes other
batsman to come out and bat without any pressure.
His scintillating
performances against Windies, Zimbabwe and Australia, added yet another feather
to his cap, as the best finisher. He has a terrific strike rate nearly 110-120,
which he maintains consistently. He is a pure asset to the middle order, as he
said in the post-match press meet after the semis against Australia, “No player
is so matured to play in the middle order and that is the reason, there is
always a shuffle”.
nditions in the middle is quite unnatural, he promotes him up
the order and makes sure, that the game comes under control which makes other
batsman to come out and bat without any pressure.
Whenever, the team is
in trouble, if he is on the crease, then, there would be bolt from the blue for
the opposition. His 196-run partnership with Raina shows, how intact the middle
order is!
If the middle order is
a genuine material to be tailored, then he is the man who makes it into
corduroy!
the middle
order is!
But overall, everything
went well and good, until Semis were we are thrown out by 96 runs. The middle
order, in this tournament showed some terrific performances. Even some matches
had individual centurion scenarios, the supportive role players were the middle
order mavericks!
The top order anchored
and the middle order exploded, tail enders, they too performed with ball. Now,
rest yourself everyone and get ready for countering everyone in home soil. Let
the wait of four years roll soon……..
#we_will_get_it_back
.
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