Bhogle Pinpoints Factor That Could Affect the Chances of New Zealand Victory Against India
The famous commentator from India Harsha Bhogle feels that the New Zealand cricket team missing out on a fifth bowler in their playing XI could hinder them in the World Cup semi-final clash against India at Wankhede. While expressing his concern about the lack of depth in the bowling unit of New Zealand, although Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson head up an impressive pace trio and Mitchell Santner has established himself as an accomplished spinner, Bhogle questions whether the Kiwis can afford to make an attempt to obtain 10 overs of bowling from the likes of all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra.
Bhogle said, "Santner is bowling very well, but do they have a fifth bowler? That could be a weakness, and there are a few holes in that side. So many things have gone wrong for New Zealand since they started the World Cup, especially for their endearingly popular captain, Kane Williamson, so maybe this is the day it will all come right. Who knows?
He feels that the New Zealand cricket team is missing that "X-factor," which could affect them, and said, "New Zealand have struggled a lot in this tournament and have not beaten a team that has qualified for the semi-final, but they hadn't in 2019 either. Most of what they have is probably good enough to make the semi-finals and the final, and then they need a dash of inspiration at some stage, which maybe they have fallen short of over the years. I think they are a top-four EPL Premiership side. They are probably Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. Enough to come up to a point, but maybe I don't quite have that X-factor."