AHMEDABAD, Feb 5: Rohit Sharma’s presence as the new leader, with a fresh template to arrest the familiar ‘middle-order muddle’, is exactly what the Indian team needs while ushering in a new era, which will begin with the ODI series against the West Indies, beginning here on Sunday.
After a rude reality check against a weak South African side in the away series, India are now back in familiar settings with a new ODI captain in Rohit, who will team up with illustrious Rahul Dravid and strive to get India back to winning ways.
The series-opener is the historic 1000th ODI for India, who would like to begin their preparations for the 2023 World Cup after failing to win the coveted trophy in 2015 and 2019, and the team will indeed look at a paradigm shift in strategy.
The ‘Rohit-Dravid’ duo over the course of the next few months will underline the ‘Men in Blue’s’ philosophy in the 50-over format after it became clear that some rejigging is needed as a part of course correction.
Thus, the series beginning Sunday would be the perfect platform to focus on fixing their middle-order.
Skipper Rohit will have to lead from the front. With KL Rahul unavailable in the first game, and other specialist openers Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad both testing COVID-19 positive, it will be Ishan Kishan who would be opening the batting with the skipper.
“Ishan Kishan is the only option we have and he will open with me,” Rohit said on the eve of the series-opener.
In the series against South Africa, save Rishabh Pant’s knock in the second game, the middle-order crumbled on all three occasions. With Shreyas Iyer not available for the series, there is a chance for Suryakumar Yadav and Deepak Hooda. Apart from two, a lot will depend on how Virat Kohli performs.
In terms of bowling, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, is back in the ODI squad, and would most probably be in the playing XI along with his seasoned partner Yuzvendra Chahal.
The team management has included young Jodhpur-born googly bowler Ravi Bishnoi in the squad, and it would be interesting to see if he gets a game right away.
In the absence of key pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, who have been rested, the bowling unit is expected to be led by ‘Palghar Express’ Shardul Thakur, who shone in the Johannesburg Test against South Africa.
The series provides a chance for young bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna and Avesh Khan to step up and stake a permanent claim.
Meanwhile, the West Indies would come into the context after their confidence boosting T20 series win over England.
The team from the Caribbean possess a power-hitter Nicholas Pooran, who can turn the game on its head. He would also look to impress the franchises before the IPL auction.
Also, the role of skipper Kieron Pollard and experienced all-rounder Jason Holder could be the difference on a day.
India
Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Shahrukh Khan.
West Indies
Kieron Pollard (Captain), Fabian Allen, Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Nicolas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Romario Shepard, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Match starts at 1.30 pm. (PTI)