Top India Batters Take Up Bowling: A Strategic Shift In Team Dynamics

India's cricket training in Sri Lanka has taken an unusual turn, with bowlers getting ample time to bat and vice versa. This shift in strategy is evident in the ongoing series, where frontline batters are seen bowling during net sessions.


After a successful T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid stepped down as head coach, and Gautam Gambhir took over. The new coach has introduced a unique approach to training. This change aims to explore the full potential of players like Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, who have some experience in bowling.

The Indian think tank is keen on utilizing their main batters for bowling duties. Players such as Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma have been underused in this aspect. Gambhir and his staff are determined to tap into this potential.

Rohit Sharma used to bowl regularly for Deccan Chargers and even has an IPL hat-trick. Similarly, Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill have some exposure to bowling. This strategy could see them showcasing their skills more often.

Batters with the Ball - An Old Trend set to Return?

Using part-time bowlers was common during Sourav Ganguly's era. Players like Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Ganguly himself often bowled. Youngsters such as Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina continued this practice. However, it became rare during Virat Kohli's tenure as captain.

Under Ravi Shastri and Kohli, the team relied heavily on frontline bowlers. This trend persisted during Rahul Dravid's coaching period but is now likely to change with Gambhir at the helm.

To accommodate an Extra Batter

This strategy allows the team to include an extra batter while still covering necessary overs with part-time bowlers. It gives the captain more options and enhances the overall impact of players on the field.

Utilize full potential of players

A batter taking wickets boosts morale and makes the team more efficient. Multifaceted players like Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer can significantly benefit the team by contributing both with the bat and ball.

In recent matches, India's interim bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule mentioned that batters would get more opportunities to bowl in nets. For instance, Shubman Gill bowled an over in the first ODI against Sri Lanka.

This approach was evident in the T20 series final match where Surya Kumar Yadav and Rinku Singh played crucial roles with both bat and ball. They picked up four wickets in two overs, forcing a super over which India won.

The Indian team's new strategy aims to make better use of their top batters' bowling abilities. This shift could lead to a more versatile team capable of adapting to various match situations effectively.

The return of part-time bowlers could bring back a balanced approach seen during earlier eras of Indian cricket. It remains to be seen how this strategy will unfold in future matches under Gambhir's guidance.