 |
|
The recent India-Australia Test match in Perth witnessed a dramatic turn of events, largely due to the unexpected brilliance of two debutants: Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana. Their performances overshadowed initial criticism surrounding India's controversial team selection, a decision that had sparked considerable debate among cricket pundits and fans alike. The selection of Reddy and Rana, along with Washington Sundar, over established players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, was seen by many as a gamble. The omission of Abhimanyu Easwaran in favor of Devdutt Padikkal further fueled the controversy. However, the events unfolding on the field dramatically altered the narrative, transforming what was initially perceived as a questionable strategy into a stroke of genius.
The match began with India in a precarious position, struggling at 73 for 6. The pressure mounted as two new Test players, Dhruv Jurel and Sundar, had already been dismissed. It was at this critical juncture that Nitish Reddy stepped up, showcasing remarkable composure and attacking prowess. Partnering with Rishabh Pant, he launched a thrilling counter-attack against Nathan Lyon, the Australian off-spinner. Reddy’s fearless approach completely disrupted Lyon's rhythm; his ability to dispatch the ball with power and precision forced Lyon to change his bowling strategy. Reddy’s reverse sweeps and audacious shots sent the Australian bowlers scrambling, ultimately forcing the captain to remove Lyon from the attack. This bold display, particularly by a debutant, instilled new life into India's innings.
Reddy's innings wasn't without risk. He survived a close call at 10 runs when he edged a Mitch Starc delivery, but neither the umpire nor Australia chose to review the decision. Even after Pant's dismissal, Reddy continued to attack, showcasing a tenacity that proved invaluable to India's recovery. While his defensive technique against the seamers was deemed compact, he was refreshingly honest about the pitch conditions, comparing them accurately to those he had encountered during an India A match in Melbourne. His contribution was significant not only for the runs scored but also for the shift in momentum that it brought about.
The other key figure in India's unexpected success was Harshit Rana, the fast bowler whose selection was also met with skepticism. Before the match, Rana had wisely sought advice from Mohammed Siraj on bowling in Australian conditions. Siraj's guidance focused on targetting specific lengths, a crucial aspect often overlooked by subcontinental bowlers who tend to bowl too short in their eagerness. Rana, however, heeded this advice to perfection. Despite the absence of substantial support runs, Rana maintained his composure and accuracy, consistently hitting his target length. His pace gradually increased from the low 130 kph to the high 130 kph range throughout his spell, showcasing exceptional control and adaptability.
The turning point came when Rana delivered a 'dreamy' ball that moved away late and crashed into Travis Head's off stump, removing a key batsman from Australia's lineup. This wicket provided immense relief and a sudden surge of confidence for the Indian team. The tension that had prevailed was dramatically relieved thanks to a previously unproven bowler. The success of Rana and Reddy serves as a testament to the value of calculated risks in sports and the potential for young players to rise to the occasion under immense pressure. Even players who didn't shine as brightly, like Dhruv Jurel, contributed positively by displaying composure and potential throughout the series. While the outcome of the rest of the series remains uncertain, the initial success achieved thanks to bold selection has proven that the ‘questionable punts’ might, in fact, pay dividends.
The narrative of this match, therefore, shifts from one of questionable selection to one of remarkable success. It underscores the importance of backing talented youngsters and the unforeseen circumstances that can alter the course of a game. The pressure now shifts to the senior players, individuals like Virat Kohli, to maintain this momentum and build on the achievements of these new talents. This unexpected success story from Perth serves as a powerful reminder that in the unpredictable world of sport, calculated risks can sometimes yield phenomenal results.
Source: How the punt on Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy paid off