After having lost the one-dayer series in South Africa, India are now on the verge of going down in the ODIs in New Zealand as well. The loss at Hamilton has put them 2-0 down in the series, which has meant they have already lost the number one ranking. India still can come back to clinch the series, but for that they will have to triumph in all the three remaining matches. In most circumstances, that would be an extremely tough job, and for a struggling Indian outfit, it would be even more difficult.
With the series on the line, it is imperative that India try a different combination at Auckland. It would not guarantee them success. At the same time, if they lose, they can at least satisfy themselves with the fact that they tried all they could but just weren’t good enough. The first name that comes to mind as India look to chop and change is Ishant Sharma. India’s most experienced bowler just hasn’t learnt the act of succeeding in one-dayers in spite of having claimed over 100 wickets. It is unbelievable that he keeps bowling length deliveries in spite of being carted all over the park.
Varun Aaron is the obvious choice if India are looking for a replacement to Ishant. Yes, he is inexperienced, but it is a fact that Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been more reliable than Ishant in recent matches. In that sense, Aaron might not be a bad choice. Remember, he is among the fastest bowlers in the country in spite of his recent injury woes. Although Dhoni is extremely fond of R. Ashwin, it is only fair that his spot also is questioned. Leggie Amit Mishra is in the team, so he could be given a run. Ashwin has an edge due to his batting; Mishra is no mug with the bat either.
Ravindra Jadeja has done reasonably well with the ball over the last year or so, but his performance with the bat at number seven has been far from satisfactory. India shouldn’t mind replacing him as well especially when they have someone like Stuart Binny in the squad. Although Binny is yet to make his international debut, he has shown in the IPL that he can strike the ball big. Also, his military medium pace can be more handy that Jadeja’s bowling in Kiwi conditions.
Shifting focus to the batting, the failure of the openers is now a major cause of worry. With both Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma not performing, India aren’t left with much options. If anything, they can ask Ajinkya Rahane to bat up the order, and push Rohit back in the middle order. It is also about time that Suresh Raina is given a ‘break’. Ambati Rayudu should be tried out in his place instead. India have a lot to work on if they want to fight back in the series, leave alone going on to win it.
--By A Cricket Analyst
