“We have our wrong-footed, inswinging menace to call upon” – Rahul Dravid’s funny reply referring to Virat Kohli on having only 5 bowlers only. 

Team India’s coach, Rahul Dravid, displayed his sense of humor when confronted with questions regarding the absence of a sixth bowling option in the playing XI following Hardik Pandya’s injury. Dravid wittily remarked that India possesses a “wrong-footed, inswinging menace,” alluding to Virat Kohli, who occasionally bowls medium pace.

Ever since the all-rounder Pandya sustained an injury during the 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh, the Men in Blue have adhered to the five-bowler strategy. This tactic has proven effective for the team, as Mohammed Shami has excelled with the ball, and Suryakumar Yadav has contributed with the bat.

During a press conference before India’s 2023 World Cup clash against South Africa at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Dravid was questioned about the absence of a sixth bowler, a challenge that arose due to Pandya’s unavailability. While Shardul Thakur is a bowling option, it’s not practical to rely on him to consistently bowl 10 overs.

Dravid said “We have our wrong-footed, inswinging menace to call upon. And with the crowd behind him, I’d back him for a couple of overs there and a few wickets. The crowd was demanding his bowling in the last game. We came very close to giving him an over,” Dravid, referred to Kohli, who is celebrating his 35th birthday on Sunday, November 5.

“And then we’ve got Surya who can turn his arm over a little bit. And then Rohit’s bowled a bit as well.” 

Dravid, the former India captain, offered a thoughtful perspective by pointing out that the Men in Blue have previously employed a five-bowler strategy and achieved success. This demonstrates their adaptability and ability to make the most of the resources available, even when facing unexpected challenges.

“I mean, obviously, the sixth option is something that Hardik gave us. But you’re right as well that we have been playing the last four games without the sixth bowling option. We also played a couple of games in the Australia series before the World Cup without the sixth option. We won two of our games, both in Mohali and in Indore, when we played only with five bowling options in those games as well.

“So, we have responded really well to that challenge. Yes, of course, we probably won’t have that sixth bowling option in these games. But the response of the team and the players has been really good when we have not had it. So, I think we have played enough games without having it. And we seem to have done pretty well,”