The ODI format has frequently been criticized for inactivity during the middle overs. Even Sachin Tendulkar has frequently expressed concern about one-day cricket, citing the monotony of the middle innings. However, this does not apply to the Indian bowling attack. Between overs 11 and 40, they have doubled the pressure quotient, and these have been the most productive periods for the host team in this World Cup.
Rohit Sharma, as captain, ensures that the bowlers utilize inventive bowling variations to tighten the web around the opposition. The lack of runs has forced the batsmen to take unnecessary risks, culminating in wickets. All four victories in the World Cup to date can be largely attributed to the penetration in the middle overs, which was characterized by aggressive bowling and innovative captaincy.
The numbers unquestionably and emphatically support this argument. Both India’s pacers and spinners came into action in the middle overs of each of the four matches, stifling the opposition’s middle-overs runs.
Australia was 43 for one during the first powerplay of the first encounter but lost six wickets during the second powerplay, scoring only 113 runs. Afghanistan performed better between overs 11 and 40, accumulating 163 runs while only losing three wickets. After a respectable start of 49 for one in the first powerplay, Pakistan lost seven wickets for 163 runs, displaying a complete lack of direction.
On October 19 at the MCA stadium in Gahunje, Pune, the most exceptional display of middle-overs bowling was witnessed when Bangladesh had reached 63 without loss in the first 10 overs. They did not lose their first wicket until the 15th over, but they lost their footing in the second powerplay, losing five wickets for only 126 runs. This containment permitted India to complete its fourth successful chase in the championship, with the batsmen making quick work of a 257-run target, led by Virat Kohli’s uninterrupted century.
India has not traditionally been known for its middle-over bowling, and Rohit himself expressed concern over the team’s incapacity to secure wickets during the middle overs. In 2016, India failed to defend 309 against Australia after reducing them to 21 for 2 in Perth during an ODI. In that contest, Rohit had scored an immaculate 171, but it was insufficient. At the time, he was not yet the captain, but since assuming the position, he has ensured that the middle overs have become difficult for the opposition.
