Inzamam-ul-Haq heaps praise on team India says 'They have machine to manufacture youngsters'
In the wake of match winning display by debutants Krunal Pandya and Prasidh Krishna in India’s win in the first ODI against England. Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq went on to say that India have set-up a machine to manufacture youngsters for every format who turn up and give significant performances in their debut game in international cricket.
“I think India have set up some sort of machine to manufacture new players. There were two debutants even today. This gives a clear signal to the senior cricketers that you have to perform well to stay in the side,” Inzamam-ul-Haq said.
The former Pakistan skipper stated that he has been paying heed to this course of match-winning performance by young Indian players since the Australia tour which has carried on even in the ongoing series against England.
“I’m noticing since the Australia series that in every match or format, a youngster turns up and gives outstanding performance. Seniors have their role but when juniors perform like this then it speaks a lot about the side. India’s performance has been this good in the last six months because of their youngsters,” former Pakistan skipper said.
In the past six months, players like Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, T Natarajan have left an impression in their first ever game that they participated in for their country.
After Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav demonstrated their strength of character in T20Is, Krunal Pandya and Prasidh Krishna stole the spotlight during the first ODI against the three lions.
Krunal Pandya smashed the fastest half-century by a debutant and remained not out on 58 off 31 balls in the first ODI. Inzamam-ul-Haq termed Krunal’s 112-run sixth wicket stand with KL Rahul (62*) the game changing moment of the first match which made a difference of about 30 runs to India’s total of 317.
“The difference that happened in the match was because of KL Rahul and Krunal Pandya. That was the turning point. If India had scored 270-280 then England would have chased it but that 30 runs difference came in the total because of Krunal Pandya, who scored 58 off 31 balls. That’s why I’m saying that there’s a machine in India now,” Inzamam said.
Inzamam-ul-Haq also went on to speak highly of pacer Prasidh Krishna, who scalped 4 wickets for 54 on his debut.
“And when India needed wickets, this young boy Krishna, who was playing his first match picked up four wickets. Again, I’d say that India have found a machine to produce players for every format,” Inzamam said.
Furthermore, the former Pakistan skipper underlined that the youngsters of India are doing a good job in keeping the senior players of the Indian side on their toes.
“When the youngsters of the team perform so well then it leaves no choice for the seniors to up their level.
“The kind of cricket, the quality if cricket that India are playing nowadays, they are making it look easy against an opposition like England. It was looking like it’ll be tough for India after England’s opening partnership but later on Indian bowlers didn’t allow them the space to breathe,” Inzamam said.
The two heavyweights will face eachother in the second ODI in Pune on Friday.
Also Read: Ind vs Eng, 2nd ODI: Virat Kohli and boys look to seal series after 'sweet' victory in opener
