India’s Biggest Challenge in T20 World Cup: Adapting to Alien Conditions in the USA, Says Eoin Morgan
MUMBAI: As India gears up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, England’s 2019 World Cup winning skipper Eoin Morgan believes that adapting to alien conditions in the US will be the biggest challenge for the Indian team.
India will kick off their campaign in the tournament on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9. The matches will be played on temporary drop-in pitches, adding to the challenge for all the international teams participating in the tournament.
Morgan emphasized the difficulty of adapting to foreign conditions in T20 cricket, especially in a new venue like the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The lack of previous information about the pitch can pose challenges for teams, making it crucial for players to quickly adjust to the conditions.
When it comes to the Indian team, Morgan highlighted Rishabh Pant as his top choice for the wicketkeeper’s slot in the T20 World Cup. He praised Pant’s disruptive playing style and highlighted his ability to add pressure as a left-handed batsman in the middle-order.
Additionally, Morgan commended Sanju Samson for his captaincy skills in the IPL, particularly for his handling of young talent like Riyan Parag. He praised Samson for instilling confidence in Parag and helping him perform exceptionally well in the tournament.
Despite the current struggles of the Royal Challengers Bangalore team in the IPL, Morgan defended Virat Kohli, the current ‘Orange Cap’ holder, stating that it is unfair to blame him for the team’s overall performance. He emphasized the importance of recognizing individual efforts in a team sport and highlighted Kohli’s impressive batting performances in the tournament.
As India prepares to face new challenges in the T20 World Cup, Morgan’s insights shed light on the key factors that will play a crucial role in the team’s success in the tournament.