Sanju out, Ishan in: key takeaways you must know from India’s heavyweight warm-up clash

India has set the tone for the World Cup with a blistering performance at D.Y. Patil Stadium, and finally, it seemed the Indian team has able to end the musical chair game for the opening spot with Ishan Kishan getting the chance before Sanju Samson.

Like a truck driver owns the highway, while listening to 90’s Bollywood songs, Indian batters posted 240 runs with ease. Just like a corporate staff, who have to chase daily targets, Indian batters also smash six like they are in a contest between each other, but there is a difference; for the staff, it can be boring, but for the Indian batters, it is fun. With that, they have found a way to create a bridge between the players and audience by making the ball travel to the stadium.

Normally, warm-up matches are practice for the assessment, but the India vs South Africa warm-up match had significance. Before going into the tournament, both teams needed to fix the right combination, and most probably they adhere on that.

Also Read । Sanju vs Ishan, Tilak Varma’s place, combinations, fitness and form under scanner in the warm match against South Africa

Though South Africa lost the match by 30 runs, they will be happy for giving a tough fight till the end of the match.

Key points to notice for the Indian team

1. After having a bad patch in the New Zealand series, Sanju has to warm the bench, and with Ishan’s half-century, it seems Ishan confirmed his name in the playing XI.
2. In this game, the management sends Axar Patel at five to test the left-right combination if needed. Axar stood out on it, hammering 35 runs in 23 balls.
3. Except for Jasprit Bumrah, India tested all of their bowling options, which gives a strong indication that if Washington Sundar remains unfit, the part-timers can roll their shoulder and also can grind with it.
4. Abhishek Sharma took two wickets, which in itself is an announcement of how the Indian team is going to use the bowlers.
5. Main bowlers like Varun, Hardik and Harshit were not seen to be used as such, but Asrhdeep Singh bowled four overs, conceding 29 runs only. It gives a strong indication that, in pacing bowling, Arshdeep Singh will be India’s main bet.

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Replacement players flourished for proteas

Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton went big for South Africa. They came into the team in place of Tony de Zorzi and Donavan Ferreira, as they will miss the marquee event due to injuries. Stubbs smashed 45 in just 21 balls, while Rickelton hammered 44 runs in 21 balls. Jason Smith, who is making his comeback in the team, also played a good innings of 35 runs.