India’s new ploy of ultra attacking batting bodes well for Cup defence

The last two wins have underscored India's changed philosophy in T20 batting. Hitting the opposition hardest in the Powerplay overs leaves them dazed

- Somshuvra Laha

India's innings on Sunday: Fifty in 19 balls, 94 at the end of the Powerplay, 155 at the halfway stage to script an insane win. Even a drinks break could not be taken. And it still wasn't book cricket.

No, but if it were up to Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav right now, India would mow down totals and chew up bowlers with ludicrous ease. Pushing the envelope is one thing, India are right now kicking down doors even before opposition bowlers get a chance to bolt them. Days ahead of a T20 World Cup at home, these are dizzying levels of fantastical batting.

Abhishek doesn't believe in half measures, not even off the first ball he faces. There is no cautious prod, no sussing of conditions, hardly any negotiation with the bowler. He believes in clean hits, living and dying by the sword. In Raipur, a clean flick off his legs led to his firstball dismissal. Here, he backed out of his stumps, down the pitch, and picked a length ball over deep midwicket for a six. Irrespective of the shot, the message is unmistakable: this is a hostile takeover.