Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Jacob Duffy’s performance after India won the second T20I against New Zealand by four wickets on Saturday. Duffy conceded 41 runs in 3.5 overs he bowled as he was taken to the cleaners by the Indian batters.
Duffy was taken for 17 runs in the 18th over of the innings and it was the turning point in the game as India had their backs against the wall at that stage. Tilak Varma scored 51 runs off just 26 balls whereas Nitish Kumar Reddy played a crucial cameo of 26 runs off just 13 balls as India was able to get over the line in the run chase of 181.
“Jacob Duffy was also a big reason for India’s win. Many times, bowlers have this problem when the team is in a winning position. It was like he put the fishing net and went away. India were six down, needing 50 runs in four overs. What did Duffy do? He bowled three slower balls and all in hitting slots. That over helped them get back into the game,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
“This is another advantage of the IPL. Bowlers get hit so much that they know how to learn and find defensive options. New Zealand’s bowlers tried attacking lengths and got hit. They completely spoiled Santner’s spell. They are not used to getting hit so much on attacking balls.”
On the other hand, Ashwin said the second T20I was a mini battle between Mitchell Santner and Tilak Varma. Santner was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers as he returned with figures of 4-21 in his quota of four overs.
“It was Tilak Varma and Mitchell Santner’s show completely. It was like a Royal Rumble of the two. Santner and Bracewell are tricking the batters, and India are struggling to play spinners in the team. This is very sad. Indian cricket has gotten into a situation where other countries’ spinners are troubling us, and both of our spinners are sitting out. It is about showing confidence. You can even use spinners as fast bowlers. There can be optimal usage. We are not capitalising on our own strength. No one will even aspire to bowl spin if it continues like this,” he said.
The third T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Hnry Stadium, Wellington on Tuesday.
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