Pune: India is actively seeking solutions for their pace bowling dilemma after assessing the pitch, as confirmed by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.
In the initial two T20Is, left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh led the pace attack for the home side, making a significant impact throughout the matches. For the third T20I, India opted to adjust their lineup by replacing Arshdeep with Mohammed Shami.
In his first match since the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Shami did not take any wickets. He bowled three overs, maintaining a good seam position but allowed 25 runs at an economy rate of 8.33.
Given India's strategy of utilizing a spin-heavy bowling lineup, integrating both Arshdeep and Shami into the same team presents a challenge that the management will need to address.
"I am pleased to see him back in action after such a long time. I thought he bowled quite well, aside from that full toss that got away from him. Overall, he delivered three solid overs. The challenge lies in how we incorporate him and Arshdeep into the same team based on the pitch conditions. However, I am certainly pleased with his return to the team," Ryan stated during the pre-match press conference ahead of the fourth T20I against England on Friday.
In addition to resolving the bowling lineup, another issue for India has been the status of star all-rounder Rinku Singh. After participating in the series opener, Rinku missed the subsequent two T20Is due to back spasms.
Before the fourth T20I, Ryan provided an update on Rinku's condition, confirming that he is now fit. He mentioned that the left-handed batsman practiced in the nets recently and should be prepared for the upcoming match.
"I believe Rinku is fit. He played in the first game, sustained an injury, and missed the next two. Again, we want to ensure players have ample opportunity to demonstrate their abilities because we trust that over time, they will prove their worth. I expect Rinku to return as soon as he is fully fit. He batted in the nets the other night, and I think he will be ready," he added.
