REUTERS - The same bowling which was India's weakest link coming into the World Cup has remarkably become their strongest suit as the reigning champions eased into the last four in impressive style. India's bowling looked toothless and jaded during their 2-0 test series loss in Australia as well as in the following ODI Tri-series, where they failed to win a single match.
With experienced Ishant Sharma ruled out before the tournament by injury, it looked like Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side would be reliant on batting to fire their World Cup defence.
Over the last month, however, Dhoni's bowlers have raised the bar significantly and, with the help of a sprinkling of run-outs, have dismissed the opposition in all seven matches on their way to the semi-finals.
"It was a concern," former India captain Rahul Dravid conceded on STAR Sports after India's 109-run win against Bangladesh in the quarter-final on Thursday.
"Ishant Sharma was in the original team, he had injury issues. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was thought to be one of India's leading one-day bowlers in the lead-up to the World Cup but there were question marks about his (fitness).
"Who are the guys who are going to deliver for us at the death? Are we going to be able to take wickets up front? The middle overs were a concern.
"Is Ravichandran Ashwin able to bowl in overseas conditions? All those questions have been answered."
After bundling out Bangladesh for 193, India overtook South Africa's record of taking all 10 opposition wickets in six consecutive matches.
