World Cup 2015: Indian Bowlers Emerge as 'Surprise Heroes' Down Under
A relatively young bunch of bowlers were not expected to do much for a team that relies heavily on its batting. Yet, the Indian team has displayed fantastic all-round cricket in its first two matches - a fact appreciated immensely by captain MS Dhoni.
Indian cricket's strength lies in its batting. This is the exact stereotypical belief that the team's bowlers are out to shatter this World Cup. If two back-to-back wins in the tournament have revealed anything, it's that the defending champions are playing like heroes - both when batting as well as when out on the field with the ball. (Dhawan, Bowlers Guide India to Historic Win vs South Africa)
Memories of a horrendous tour Down Under began fading after the 76-run win against Pakistan. Any semblance of the winless Test and tri-nation ODI series was blown to smithereens when South Africa collapsed to a 130-run defeat to the Men in Blue. Little wonder then that captain MS Dhoni has his head high once again. "I think more than just the result, it was how we played. Back to back performances by both the bowling and batting units," he said after the match at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. "We usually see the oppositions taking on our fast bowlers in the deep. Mohit and Umesh are quite fast and have good arms. What's happening really well is we are able to execute our plans. (President Pranab Mukherjee Congratulates Team India on Win)
While Mohit Sharma and Mohammad Shami claimed two apiece to dent South Africa's chase, a wicket-less Umesh Yadav maintained the pressure. Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin (3/41) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/37) then wiped out any chance of a late comeback. "They (India bowlers) are not bowling loose balls. They bowled tight lines and the batsmen had to play big shots to get runs. The amount of effort the fast bowlers are putting in the nets is beginning to show now," said Dhoni.
The Indian team had never defeated South Africa in a World Cup. On Sunday, the players did not just break that jinx but broke Proteas' back with a complete effort. With UAE next on India's radar, expect more sensational performances.