World Cup: Here are mistakes India should avoid in semi-final
What's the story
Two-time champions India sealed their spot in the semis of the ICC World Cup 2019, when they defeated Bangladesh.
As they prepare to take on either England or New Zealand in the semis, there are certain areas of concern, which they need to be sorted out immediately.
And here, we analyze the mistakes that the team should avoid in the semis.
Kohli
Kohli shouldn't bat at number three following explosive start
The last match saw the openers putting up a stand of 180.
As their first wicket fell in the 30th over, Virat Kohli came in to bat at his regular number three spot.
However, he should have pushed explosive batsman Rishabh Pant.
He would have accelerated from the word go, whereas, Kohli tends to take his time. India should avoid this in semis.
Balanced XI
India shouldn't pick four wicket-keepers
In their last match against Bangladesh, India decided to field four wicket-keeper batsmen.
Although India won the tie, it was a terrible decision.
It should be noted having three wicket-keepers in the outfield makes the fielding sloppy.
The keepers are usually not the best fielders.
Poor fielding can prove to be the difference between the teams in a crunch situation.
Dhoni
MS Dhoni should rotate strike
MS Dhoni has been under fire for not showing intent in the last couple of matches.
The last match saw Dhoni not rotating strike, when Pant at the other end was looking good.
Dhoni, who has played just one big innings this World Cup, should try to give the strike to young hitters like Pant or Hardik Pandya, as they are in good form.
Death
Shami should not bowl at the death
Indian pacer and seamer Mohammed Shami has been on a wicket-taking spree, claiming 14 wickets in just four matches this World Cup.
However, he has a tendency to leak runs at the death.
Kohli should ensure that he bowls his quota before the last power-play.
Instead, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah should be handed the duty of closing it out at the death.
Five bowlers
Five-bowler strategy always poses a risk
India didn't have a sixth bowler in the match against Bangladesh.
While this didn't impact them, the semis could present a whole different situation.
It would be wise for India to have an extra bowler, to contain the run-flow and act as a backup in case a bowler goes for aplenty.
On this note, we believe all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could be a valuable addition.