“We don’t mind losing a few games while trying out a few things. Because it is important to look at the long-term goals. We will see what works out well for the team combination (for the final ODI),” Rohit Sharma said after India wrapped up the three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a resounding win in the second game.
Rohit and Co. know that they have to evaluate the players based on how they react to different situations. In the second game, the home side decided to experiment by opening the batting with Rishabh Pant in an attempt to take advantage of the first PowerPlay. Even though the move seems to be a one-off, it gives an indicator that the think-tank is looking to experiment in order to zoom in on the right combination.
The hosts certainly have enough positives to take from the series. Mohammed Siraj bowled with nous and discipline in the first match while Prasidh Krishna has displayed a few more gears to his bowling, bagging a four-for. KL Rahul, who returned for the second game, batted in the middle order and looked in fine touch while facing the West Indies pace trio. His ability to change gears against hit-the-deck bowlers as well as spinners makes him an ideal candidate to bat in the middle order. Suryakumar Yadav too has made use of his opportunities so far. If anything, Virat Kohli would like to convert some of his starts into a hundred. Rohit also would hope to make a substantial contribution.
At the other end, the West Indies camp would be ruing a missed opportunity to level the series. Kemar Roach, Odean Smith and Alzarri Joseph had bowled zestful spells to lay the platform for the batters to provide finishing touches. Unfortunately, once again a familiar knot tied them down and that was the top order failing to click. Even though Shamarh Brooks and Akeal Hosein made useful contributions, the duo had too much to do. The West Indies need a batting renaissance and it has to happen soon.
The one silver lining for the visitors was Smith shining brightly. With a relatively short run-up, he can generate a good burst of pace. It can take time for a batter’s muscle memory to adjust to a bowler who bowls at speeds in excess of 140 kph with a short run-up. Smith also showcased glimpses of his hitting prowess lower down the order. In fact, in the recently-concluded ODI series versus Ireland, one of his massive hits had dented the car of West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell.
A victory in the final game of the series would revitalize the West Indies camp ahead of the T20Is. There are also 10 World Cup Super League points up for grabs.
When: Friday, February 11, 2022, 1.30 PM local time
Where: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
What to expect:
The weather forecast predicts clear skies and no chance of rain. For the second game, the red soil pitch – with some grass cover – was used. So the seamers were able to extract more life out of the surface. Once again the nature of the soil could determine the conditions for the final game. The dew played a role in the first ODI but didn’t come into the picture during the second game.
Team News:
India: Shikhar Dhawan, who has recovered from Covid-19, is set to return to the playing XI. Shreyas Iyer, who has also taken part in training sessions, is in the mix. India may also look to rotate the spinners with Kuldeep Yadav getting an opportunity in the final match.
Possible XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur/Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna.
West Indies: Regular skipper Kieron Pollard didn’t play the second match with a niggle. The tourists may opt to rest Pollard for the last game and give Odean Smith another chance to showcase his talents.
Possible XI: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran (c), Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Fabien Allen, Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph, and Kemar Roach
What they said:
“I have been asked to try different things, so that was something different (on Pant opening). We wanted to try it one game and is not a permanent thing. Shikhar should be back for the next game,” Rohit Sharma in the post-match presentation.
