As India faced Zimbabwe in their final T20 World Cup 2022 match on Sunday, November 6, it became more clear that the Men in Blue will need a more aggressive spin attack in the semifinals. While the pace attackers, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami looked impressive, the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel’s performance was criticised.

In their first two overs, Ashwin and Patel conceded 18 and 28 runs respectively. While Ashwin registered an economy rate of 9.00, Axar was India’s most expensive bowler, with an economy rate of 14:00 in the first two overs. However, Ashwin then went on to claim three wickets, but this did not ease the criticisms.

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“We need to some changes in our spine attack…. it’s not working at all…. disappointed bu [by] spinners #T20WorldCup #INDvsZIM,” one user tweeted.

Another user went on to say that India will need Yuzvendra Chahal in the semifinals, who is known for taking wickets in middle overs.

“Both Axar & Ashwin doesnt look wicket taking bowlers unlike the others in middle overs!! Chahal a must against England!! Ashwin horrible , bowling flat medium pace!! He is a spinner, aren’t??? weakest link in the team,” his tweet read.

Indian legend Ravi Shastri, who was in the commentators’ box in the match, also shared the same opinion as the Indian fans. “You need wicket taking spinners. I thought India would play wrist spinner today,” he said during commentary.

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“Indian spinners have been disappointing this world cup. That means India has no wicket taking options in mid-overs. It’s just Hardik or 3 quicks. We should’ve tried Chahal today,” another user tweeted.

India looks en route to a win against Zimbabwe and finishes the Super 12 as the leaders of Group 2. This will mean that they will face England, who finished as the runner-up of Group 1 behind New Zealand in the semifinal.