Before the start of the series, most of the cricket pundits predicted that this series is going to be an easy one for India, as they are a very difficult side beat at home. The entire build-up of the series was centered on India’s batting and how they should try different combinations for the Cricket World Cup 2015, which is just a few months away.
But, after the first match of the One Day International (ODI) series, that West Indies managed to win quite easily, the entire focus of the series has changed to how India will bounce back in the 5-match series, after this early blow.
Indian batsmen, other than Shikhar Dhawan struggled to score runs on a pitch that was fairly good for batting. After Ajinkya Rahane got out in the 9th over, there was no partnership in the middle as West Indian bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals.
Virat Kohli, once again struggled outside the off-stump and got out cheaply. This tweet by @thecricketgeek, is the perfect description of his dismissal:
That Kohli dismissal was very “England 2014”
— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) October 8, 2014
India’s middle-order which includes the likes of Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, did not make any significant contribution and got out cheaply, too. Without taking anything away from the West Indian bowlers, Indian batsmen batted, especially the middle order, batted very poorly and it appeared as if they were taking it too lightly. Ravindra Jadeja batted well for his 33*, but he did not get any support from the end.
Talking about India’s bowling, 4 out of 6 bowlers used by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, gave more than 6 runs per over. Other than Bhuvneshwar Kumar, all other bowlers went for plenty as Marlon Samuels and Denesh Ramdin unleashed themselves after a cautious start. On the sub-continent wickets, Mahendra Singh Dhoni relies on his spinners to do well, but today, three spinners used by him Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra and Suresh Raina gave 144 runs in 22 overs.
All in all, this was a poor performance by Indian and they must shed complacency before it gets too late.
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by The Cricket Lounge
image source: ESPNCRICINFO
