As the sun sets on another exciting year of T20 Internationals, Team India's bowlers have left an inerasable mark on the cricketing canvas. From Axar Patel's controlled chaos against Australia to the debutant Shivam Mavi's lighting performance, the Men in Blue showcased their prowess with the ball in 2023. In this riveting recap, we unravel the best bowling spells that defined India's journey through the T20I realm.
Axar Patel T20 match against Aus- Image by IndiaToday
The cricket extravaganza began with Axar Patel casting a spell on Australia in Raipur. India had set a tough target of 174/9, creating an intense situation. But, Axar, the left-arm maestro, weaved his magic with a stunning 3/16. He dismantled Aussie batsmen like Travis Head, Ben McDermott, and Aaron Hardie, leading India to a thrilling 20-run victory. It wasn't just a win; it was a bowling masterpiece that paved the way for what was to come.
Ravisrinivasan- Asian games 2023- image from OneCricket
In the grand theatre of the Asian Games, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore orchestrated a symphony with the ball. Making his debut, Kishore's mesmerising figures of 3/12 in the semi-final against Bangladesh played a pivotal role in India clinching a historic gold medal. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Afif Hossain, and Shahadat Hossain were mere puppets in Kishore's cricketing opera as Bangladesh crumbled for 96. India's victory by nine wickets was not just a triumph; it was a coronation of Kishore's arrival on the international stage.
Shivam Mavi- Image from NDTV Sports
The T20I arena witnessed the birth of a new sensation as Shivam Mavi, donning the Indian jersey, unleashed mayhem against Sri Lanka. Making a thunderous debut, Mavi's scintillating 4/22 rattled the Lankan batting order. Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana fell like dominoes as Mavi showcased his raw pace and precision. Though the match ended with India winning by a mere two runs, Mavi's debut was nothing short of a fiery proclamation of his arrival.
Hardik Pandya - image from The Times of India
In a high-octane clash against New Zealand, Hardik Pandya took centre stage with a career-best T20I performance. While Shubman Gill sublime 126 took headlines, Pandya's 4/16 was the symphony of destruction that dismantled the Kiwis. His impeccable line and length, coupled with devastating pace variations, left Fin Allen, Glenn Phillips, Lockie Ferguson, and Blair Tickner in awe. Pandya's brilliance propelled India to a resounding victory as New Zealand crumbled for a paltry 66.
The pinnacle of India's bowling brilliance reached its peak in Johannesburg, where Kuldeep Yadav etched his name in T20I history. With a mesmerising, Kuldeep spearheaded India to a commanding victory against South Africa. David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams were mere witnesses to Kuldeep's bowling carnival. India left no room for doubt as South Africa capitulated for a mere 95, sealing a resounding victory by 106 runs. Kuldeep's fifer marked him as India's second bowler with multiple T20I five-wicket hauls, a testament to his spin wizardry.
As we bid farewell to 2023, India's T20I story is a big shout-out to our bowlers. Whether it's the experienced Axar Patel or the rising star Shivam Mavi, each game added a cool chapter to Indian cricket. Picture this: sizzling deliveries, spot-on accuracy, and total control—the bowlers owned it! It's not just about winning or losing; it's a tale of heart, talent, and the unstoppable chase for greatness. Cheers to more awesome bowling in the future!
Edited by: Jonathan Nwabenu
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