The Indian series versus the West Indies was going according to plan until the West Indians decided to show up in the 4th ODI and completely humiliate the Indians. Here are five things that the team have done wrong:
Not used Rishabh Pant
The young keeper-batsman is considered the future after MS Dhoni and is easily someone who can play a good innings when required. Dinesh Karthik was given the chance but was not able to capitalize on the opportunity.
Rishabh Pant has been raring to go ever since he was picked for the series and he has not been given the slightest sniff. He is someone who can be honed for the big stage and at which point is that going to happen remains to be seen.
Underused the likes of Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav has also not been able to get some time in the middle. When he did however, he played a good innings of 40* off 26 and this shows that he can be promoted up the order if required. Jadhav is a clean hitter and is capable of playing the long innings when required.
Kedar Jadhav is someone who needs to be promoted up the order so that he can get the confidence to hit.
Ravindra Jadeja’s lull
Jadeja is one bowler who is excellent in most of the turning tracks but has not been in the best of form off late. He was only average in the Champions Trophy and following his part in the dismissal of Hardik Pandya, his form seems to have waned.
Maybe it is time to use other bowlers in order to give him a rest and some time off from the game.
Yuvraj Singh’s role
It looks like Yuvraj Singh’s time in the squad is limited because he is not the hitter that he once was. Age seems to have caught up with him and he will have to assess his role in the team. Whatever said and done, if he has to bow out, he can do so with his head raised because he has been an excellent servant for the team.
For now, Yuvraj seems to be available in the squad but the selection committee needs to really sit down and discuss whether investing in him for the long term is worth it or not.
Poor shot selection
This series has seen the Indian top order play some really questionable shots when the requirement has been completely different. In the 4th ODI, Dhawan, Kohli and Karthik all fell to attacking shots that were not really required.
Maybe the batsmen need to read the situation better and Rahane was able to do that, playing a safe innings before getting out. Dhoni too, was playing the right way but he left it too late and that caused India to play a decider.
