After a draw at Ranchi thinks should change and the way Kuldeep Yadav was included in the side as the fifth bowler in the side proved a tactical change as Virat Kohli was not fit enough and we were ready to take the field with one batsman less for the crucial encounter. The move paid rich dividends in the end. Kuldeep not only became the strike bowler and he mesmerised the Australian batsmen with key wickets. Ashwin scalped the prized wicket Steven Smith after he scored a chanceless hundred his third one in the series. Kuldeep proved as the surprise weapon in the series and he foxed the Kangaroos with his Chinaman and that turned the tables in favour of India. New captain Ajinkya Rahane used him very well and the bowlers were shuffled well so that none of the batsmen could play a long innings except captain Smith, vice-captain David Warner and the wicket keeper Matthew Wade. That was a significant success for the spin cum pace attack as a total of 500 plus was on the cards, when Australians were sailing at 144 for one. To contain stroke filled Australians for 300 on a small ground was outstanding and the new comer made a match of it in his maiden match. Kuldeep magic tilted the scales in India’s favour but Team India has to bat fourth and if the pitch deteriorates further Rahane’s men will have to work hard for a win.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
