In the cricket showdown between Australia and India, Jason Behrendorff faced a tough task dealing with power players like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan. Even though Behrendorff managed a solid performance, taking 1 wicket for 25 runs, his teammates struggled, conceding an average of over 11 runs each during India’s chase of 209 runs in Visakhapatnam.
While Behrendorff recognized the challenge of facing such skilled opponents, he maintained a positive spirit. When asked about his strategy against his Mumbai Indians teammate Suryakumar Yadav, he jokingly suggested, “Maybe give the ball to someone else.” He acknowledged the difficulty of staying one step ahead of players of their caliber but emphasized the importance of changing pace, line, and length to keep them guessing.
Behrendorff’s role, as directed by the team management, is clear: make the ball swing and grab breakthroughs in the crucial first six overs of the Powerplay. Drawing on his successful stint in the 2023 IPL, where he took 14 wickets in 12 games for Mumbai Indians, Behrendorff highlighted his focus on swinging the ball early on and targeting wickets in the Powerplay.
Reflecting on his strategy, Behrendorff emphasized the importance of keeping his deliveries straight, considering the minimal margin of error. His primary goal is to exploit any swing upfront, adjusting his variations based on the playing surface. He believes in adapting to the conditions, especially in India where the ball can quickly reach the fence.
Despite not being part of the World Cup-winning squad, Behrendorff utilized his time effectively by playing domestic cricket and refining his skills. Prepared and eager for the challenge, he expressed his excitement about playing against India, acknowledging the greatness of the opportunity.