India may have beaten Hong Kong by a solid 40 runs, but the match at Dubai International Stadium exposed serious flaws in their fast bowling. Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh were expensive, letting 97 runs slip through in only eight overs, meaning they conceded more than 12 runs per over. For Arshdeep, it was an unlucky day, but for Avesh, it's part of a worrying trend.
Men in blue registered a comprehensive 40-run win over Hong Kong, but Indian pacers got a huge reality check at the Dubai international stadium. Indian fast bowlers Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh leaked 97 runs in their eight overs, with a combined economy of more than 12 runs an over. The left-arm pacer had a one-off game while Avesh continued with his poor run.
Avesh had a nightmare on the field, conceding 53 runs in just 4 overs. Since the 2022 IPL, he has been given plenty of opportunities in T20Is, yet he has failed to reward the team management's trust. He has repeatedly struggled to handle the responsibility of bowling during the closing stages of the innings.
With an economy rate of 9.10, the 25-year-old has the worst yearly record for any Indian T20I bowler who has bowled at least 25 overs. India has a wealth of bowling talent to choose from, making it strange that Avesh has been preferred over established stars like Mohammed Shami and Deepak Chahar, both of whom are known for winning games.
The team management needs to stop playing it safe and do what's actually best for the squad. Bringing Deepak Chahar from the Chennai Super Kings into the starting eleven would be a smart move. Chahar is not only lethal during the powerplay but also strengthens the batting order. He has already demonstrated his ability to hit the ball cleanly and can provide crucial runs in the final overs.