World Cup 2023: What swung the game in Australia’s favour was Pat Cummins’ captaincy – Suresh Raina

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina feels Pat Cummins’ captaincy swung the game in Australia’s favor in the World Cup final against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday. Cummins decided to bowl first after winning the toss and went against the narrative of ‘bat first in a big match and put runs on the board’.

Cummins also introduced Glenn Maxwell in the 10th over and the all-rounder was able to get the big wicket of Rohit Sharma, who scored a blistering knock of 31-ball 47.

Cummins was also spot on with his field placements and bowling changes and thus got his tactics right for the big match. Furthermore, he also bowled a fine spell of 2-34 in his quota of 10 overs, accounting for Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer.

“What swung the game in Australia’s favour was Pat Cummins’ captaincy. The way he brought Glenn Maxwell into the attack to get the wicket of Rohit Sharma with a brilliant catch from Travis Head was very smart. Adam Zampa was great too, as was Cummins himself in dismissing Virat Kohli.They outplayed India and were very solid in their planning,” said Suresh Raina while talking to ICC.

Meanwhile, Raina also feels Australia’s fielding was the major difference in the game. Travis Head took a fine catch of Rohit Sharma while running back whereas the Aussies also saved at least 20-25 runs in the field, which made a lot of difference.

“Another big factor was Australia’s fielding. I think they saved 30 to 40 runs. From ball one, they were saving a lot of singles and boundaries. There was Travis’ catch and some excellent work in the deep from David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne,” Raina noted.

“I think Cummins showed real temperament in his captaincy. He changed his bowlers knowing he could put pressure on each India batter even though they were all in such good form. His tactics made all the difference, and his planning and execution was perfect,” said Raina.

On the other hand, Raina, who was part of the 2011 World Cup winning squad, said India will bounce back strongly.

“We will see the Indian team doing well again because they know how to reach the latter stages of tournaments now,” concluded Raina.

India will now take on Australia in the five-match T20I series.