India dominated West Indies in 3 match ODI series being played in Ahmedabad beating them in all the three 3 matches. Biggest breakthrough for India was Prasidh Krishna who was adjudged Man of the series picking up 9 wickets in 3 matches. Another positive sign for Indian cricket has been Deepak Chahar who contributed with the bat and his bowling.
Players like Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar are the kind of player’s India want in their ranks. Hardik Pandya continues to remain sidelined till the time he proves his match fitness. Worrying thing for India remain the consistency in Indian batting which has hampered India’s chances in big global tour India lacked firepower in key matches.
In recently concluded series in South Africa, Indian batting was the major reason of India not doing well despite bowler’s splendid performance in both Test and ODI series.
Rahul Dravid needs to finalize ideal combination and squad of 25 players which he needs to be groomed for coming 2-3 years. Rishabh Pant, Shubhman Gill are player’s which needs to be given chances consistently to show their real talent and worth. India is missing key archery in their bowling, a left arm fast bowler and genuine quality spinner’s. Indian batsman earlier were known to be the best player of spin bowling now seems to be struggling since 3- 4 years. Indian batsman are even finding hard to play part time spinners like Ardian Markram, Moeen Ali.
For West Indies series has been an eye opener for them in terms what they are missing is ability to rotate strike, lack of wicket taking options in middle overs, inconsistency of playing as a unit. West Indies needs a leader like Darren Sammy who can unit player’s as a unit and give their best. Kieron Pollard has been a match winner for West Indies for many years but he has not been able to play consistently match winning knocks, neither has been proved to be good leader. Biggest positive that West Indies can take from this series has been good all rounder’s which can take West Indies to greater heights, Odean Smith, Romario Shephard, Akeal Hosein are future of West Indies cricket.
To make cricket competitive game in world, West Indies cricket needs to play good cricket and win consistently. Team selection is one area where team needs to make improvements.
