‘You can trap them when ball comes in’ -Chaminda Vaas talks on Indian Batters struggles against Left Arm Pacers.

India has faced disappointing performances in ICC tournaments since 2014, failing to secure a major trophy in over a decade. Despite their strong showings in the group stages, they often struggle during knockout matches, leading to their elimination from significant events. A recurring theme in India’s losses on the big stage is their difficulty in countering against left-arm fast bowlers.

Frequently, Indian batsmen have struggled against lethal left-arm quicks who exploit their vulnerability, disrupting their top-order and putting the opposition in a commanding position. Renowned Sri Lankan left-arm seamer, Chaminda Vaas, also expressed his thoughts on this issue, noting that many Indian players find it challenging to deal with the ball coming back in from a left-hander over the wicket.

Vaas said “If I’m playing, I’m doing the same thing. I’m trying to bring the ball in with a fielder at midwicket, get them (India’s top-order) out LBW or bowled. Most left-armers naturally bring the ball in, bowlers like Trent Boult or Shaheen Shah Afridi, all try to bring the ball in. You have to do it at the right place at the right length. If you do that, most batters in the world, you can trap them when the ball comes in.”

Notably, left-arm seamers like Trent Boult, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Amir have troubled Indian batsmen in crucial matches, contributing to India’s elimination from ICC events.

Regarding his predictions for the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, Vaas suggested that both competitions are wide open, with any team capable of performing well on their day in the 50-over format. This unpredictability adds excitement to the tournaments, as any team has the potential to turn the tables and emerge victorious.