Cricket World Cup 2015: Team India has finally realised bowling is not about banging the ball

Bowlers are the key. Ireland must have realised it from the crushing defeat at the hands of a highly professional Indian team. Having started the contest well, Ireland could not give the desired finishing touches.

There were lessons for Ireland and some for India too. The Indian fast bowlers must have realised that bowling is not about just running in and banging the ball. Not all pitches are the same and the conditions vary from place to place. It is an art to read the wicket and conditions and then adapt to give your best. You can try and bounce, but then seam and swing are also key components.

Against Ireland, the best thing was Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s use of Suresh Raina as a bowling option. There could be an added role for him along with Ravindra Jadeja. I want to see Jadeja assume greater responsibility as a batsman because he is supposed to be an all-rounder.

Dhoni used the spinners well. He has backed R Ashwin and the offspinner has become the most valuable member of the bowling unit. To me, Ashwin is a force by himself, taking wickets, getting breakthroughs. I like his aggression. In 1985, when India won the World Championship of Cricket in Australia, the bowlers took the initiative and the team was motivated when it became clear that there was no extra pressure on the batsmen to set up big scores.

The more I watch Dhoni, the more I am convinced he has taken complete charge. It is not that he was not a source of motivation for the team earlier, but he is far more involved now. He is constantly interacting with the bowlers, giving them the confidence with an attacking field. He realises this is not a mature team and the players need his guidance.

The team gained with the performance of the openers. The team management ought to be pleased with Shikhar Dhawan’s second century of the tournament and also Rohit Sharma helping himself to a half-century. Now, Raina and Jadeja should get into the act of making runs apart from contributing with their bowling. There was no harm if they had been promoted in this match.

I want to congratulate Bangladesh for pulling off a great win. It could be the moment in their cricket history. Test status was attained 15 years ago but the quarterfinal berth at this World Cup confirms the progress Bangladesh has made. It was fabulous the way they eliminated England and I can visualise the joy the feat must have brought to the nation.