Indian batters have been struggling against left-arm seamer for a long time now. Talking about the left-arm trap for Indian batters, Chaminda Vaas, the former Sri Lankan left-arm pacer has given some insights on the weakness of Indian batsmen.
India has faced disappointments in ICC tournaments since 2014, last time they won an ICC tournament was Champions Trophy under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Sich then they have been unable to secure a major trophy for more than a decade now. Despite performing well against opponents in the group stages, they tend to stumble during knockout matches, resulting in their elimination from significant events. A recurring pattern in India’s losses on the big stage is their struggle to counter against a left-arm fast bowler.
Time and time again, Indian batsmen have struggled against a formidable left-arm pace bowler who can dismantle their top order and give an advantage to his team. Renowned Sri Lankan left-arm seamer, Chaminda Vaas, has also shared his insights on the weakness of Indian batsmen. He pointed out that most players have difficulty dealing with the ball coming back in from a left-handed bowler from over the wicket.
“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,” Vaas was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Notably, left-arm seamers such as Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Amir have troubled Indian batters in recent times during knockout events. Failing miserably against the left-arm seamer have knocked the Indian team out on many such occasions.
Meanwhile, when about his predictions for the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, Vaas said that the competitions are quite open as any team on their day can turn things up in the 50-over format.
Chaminda Vaas says “Teams are equal when it comes to 50-over match”
“It’s difficult to predict. It’s a different format, 50 overs of cricket in different conditions. Sri Lanka are trying to defend the (Asia Cup) title. India and Sri Lanka have won many Asia Cups, Pakistan only a few, but they are also contenders. All the teams are equal if you come to the 50-over format. If you have a balanced batting and bowling team, on their day anybody can turn things up with this format,” he added.
The Asia Cup 2023 tournament is scheduled to get started from August 30 and will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and defending champions Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 will be held in India from October 05 onwards.