CHENNAI: Since the previous edition of 50-over World Cup, India have played 27 ODIs in which Rohit Sharma has opened with Shikhar Dhawan, who has opened with Ajinkya Rahane, who has opened with KL Rahul, who has opened with Faiz Fazal and Karun Nair. A total of six players were tried for two spots, without finding the perfect combination.
For a side who are flying high in the backdrop of back-to-back ODI series victories against New Zealand and England, India are far from playing to their full potential.
They have won five of their last eight ODIs, but those triumphs haven’t come without any wobbles. In Pune, they were rescued by Virat Kohli and Kedar Jadhav. In Cuttack, despite Eoin Morgan silencing the Barabati Stadium for a major part towards the end of the match, India wrapped up the series. When they headed for Kolkata, the foremost among Kohli’s problems was that of openers. As they left the city, the headache had just gotten bigger.
For a change, this isn’t the ‘happy’ kind of headache that Kohli has loved to have when it comes to the longer formats. In Tests, India are spoilt for choices at the top, and the competition is getting hotter with Abhinav Mukund joining the fray. But in the limited-over arena, there is a huge hole at the top that has exposed the middle-order way to frequently.
In India’s last eight ODIs, Kohli has walked in five times inside five overs, and has been in the middle inside 10 overs in the other three matches. When India began the series against Kiwis, opening was supposed to be less of a trouble. But an injury to Rohit and with the indifferent form of both Dhawan and Rahul have now left India searching for answers.
“Earlier, opening was never our problem. It’s our middle-order that is sorted now. It’s not that we have to go in search for openers. We already have good ones. We will address the areas of concern, and will try to correct a few of them,” Kohli said in Kolkata.
Though there is no need to search for openers, India have been guilty of trying different combinations without giving an extended run to a pair.
When Dhawan struggled to find runs, Rahane was brought in. But the right-hander couldn’t replicate his IPL exploits — surprising for a player of his calibre — and Rahul — probably India’s best bet right now — has so far has been unable to find runs.
“In case of Dhawan, his injuries have meant that he has been in and out, and he has struggled to get his momentum back. After two low scores, he was replaced with Rahane, and he too couldn’t get a big score."
“There have been way too many changes, and you can’t really say that a player has not performing on the basis of one or two matches. What was surprising was that Rahul didn’t capitalise on his opportunities. He is definitely an improved player in limited overs last year,” former India stumper Deep Dasgupta said.
Though it is highly unlikely that anyone apart from these players will be making it to the Champions Trophy this June, India don’t have any more ODIs left to try new combinations.
In hindsight, it might be a helping in disguise as selectors are likely to keep a close tab on their IPL form. “Rohit will definitely be a sure shot if he is fully fit. Among the rest, anybody can be his partner, as there are hardly any other options if you look at the domestic scene. Dhawan has a history of coming good in ICC tournaments, and Rahane will be ideal for English conditions. India has no choice other than to go by IPL form,” Gupta added.
Mini series, many positives
Express looks at the performances of India players in the just-concluded three-match ODI series against England, the last before Champions Trophy
Shikhar Dhawan M: 2 | R: 12 | Avg: 6.00
Had another bad series. A different player when confident, he was dropped after scores of 1 and 11 on batting-friendly tracks. Fell to bad shots in both games, may be because he was feeling the pressure.
KL Rahul M: 3 | R: 24 | Avg: 8.00
After two stellar limited-over series (ODIs against Zimbabwe and T20Is vs WI), had a quiet one against England. In the two games, late swing accounted for his dismissal. Fell going for a big shot in the third. Will need to fire during the T20 leg.
Virat Kohli M: 3 | R: 185 | Avg: 61.66
Proved once again that he is the Chase Master with an assured ton in the opener, but couldn’t repeat the feat in the third game, falling for 55. Wasn’t as assured a captain as he was in his last few Test outings, but certain to learn on the job.
Yuvraj Singh M: 3 | R: 210 | Avg: 70.00
Yuvraj had made the No 4 slot his own when in his prime, and his swashbuckling century in the position in the second game couldn’t have come at a better time. Followed it up with a 45 in Kolkata, proving he can be consistent too.
MS Dhoni M: 3 | R: 165 | Avg: 55.00
Freed of captaincy, made a century in the second ODI, playing the ideal foil to Yuvraj, before making 25 off 36 in the third. Was spot on with DRS, correctly reviewing his catch of Jason Roy in the opener, and saving Yuvraj in the second ODI. Did well behind the stumps, as usual.
Kedar Jadhav M: 3 | R: 232 | Avg: 77.33
Was the revelation of the series for India, emerging as the highest run-getter despite batting at No 6. Batted with equal felicity against pace and spin. Knocks of 120 (1st ODI) and 90 (3rd ODI) offer hope to a team too reliant on Kohli during chases. Could solve India’s finisher problems too.
Hardik Pandya M: 3 | R: 115 | W: 5 | Econ: 6.20
Was one of the positives for India in the loss at Eden. His spell of 6-0-21-3 slowed down the Englishmen towards the end of their innings, and he also put on 104 runs with Jadhav. Made a vital 40 not out in the first game as well.
Ravindra Jadeja M: 3 | R: 39 | W: 4 | Econ: 5.23
In a three-match series that had six 300-plus totals, bowled his full quota of 30 overs for an economy rate of just 5.23. Dismissed England opener Jason Roy on all three occasions. After good shows with the bat in the longer format, was a let-down in ODIs in that department.
R Ashwin M: 3 | W: 3 | Econ: 6.96
Hasn’t been at his best in white-ball cricket over the last few months and the trend continued, with his negative tactics coming under fire. Was one of the stars in India’s win in the second game though, giving away 65 runs and picking up three vital wickets.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar M: 2 | W: 1 | Econ: 6.61
Replacing Umesh Yadav for the second ODI, had an impressive outing, with figures of 10-1-63-1. Also conceded just six runs in the final over. Did well early on in the third game, but last three overs went for 35.
Jasprit Bumrah M: 3 | W: 5 | Econ: 7.86
Economy rate of 7.86 was the worst among bowlers of both sides to have played at least two games. Frequently erred in length, and made 66,000 fans at Eden groan when his delivery that dismissed Jonny Bairstow turned out to be a no-ball. Stunning run out of Alex Hales in first game was the highlight.
venkatakrishna@newindianexpress.com