After a two-match Test series that saw India thump the West Indies, the two sides gear up to play the first ODI on Sunday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. India, who achieved success in the Asia Cup 2018 last month, see regular skipper Virat Kohli return to the scheme of things.
Both teams will be eyeing to find some positives with the ICC World Cup starting in 7 months time. It will be of balance and precision for both the teams.
India have a strong squad at their disposal and the return of some key players in the fold means things could be difficult for the visitors. It is all about momentum and after whitewashing Windies in the two-Test match series, the men in blue would want to kickstart proceedings with a victory.
The series will also reflect how some key individuals take the chances and come out blazing on their day. Also the impact they are capable of having in their respective teams. Here we analyse the key players that could determine the 5-match ODI series.
MS Dhoni (IND)
MS Dhoni’s performances with the bat haven’t been up to the mark as one would have expected. There have been some strong shows behind the stumps as usual, but the runs have somewhat been hard to come by. Dhoni will be eager to sort things out and take it game by game.
Dhoni is still the safest bet going into the World Cup and he will also use this series in grooming someone like Rishabh Pant. The position of MS is likely to see him come in at number 5. Not the able finisher any more, Dhoni could plays without pressure and just focus in scoring.
Dhoni was terrific in the Asia Cup and was seen making pivotal decisions while the spinners were on. This makes him dangerous as he knows how to get the best field placements. That’s where someone like Kohli will benefit largely from the experience MSD provides. The spinners too bowl well when MSD is behind the stumps always motivating them.
Dhoni will also put the young WI fielders on their toes with some crucial quick running.
Ravindra Jadeja (IND)
Time is once again on Ravindra Jadeja’s side. Things are going well for the all-rounder at the moment. The 5th Test at the Oval against England in September helped him massively. He was called up after a year in the ODI squad as a replacement for Axar Patel in the Asia Cup.
But since his comeback, he took the opportunities with both hands. He ended up with 7 wickets in the tournament at an average of 22.28. Jadeja can be seen as the finisher here alongside Rishabh Pant. Jaddu scored a crucial 48 runs in 2 innings and got India close to the finishing line.
He finishes overs very quickly and gives no time for batsmen to settle in. Jadeja is by far the best fielder in the side as well and his acrobatics can stifle WI of easy runs.
Jadeja has improved a lot in batting and that was seen in the Asia Cup where he put a price on his wicket. So when the chips are down, expect the player to stand strong.
Ambati Rayudu (IND)
All eyes will be on an in-form combination of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli in the top 3 for India. But the number 4 position is a crucial one and Rayudu could have some fun here. The versatile batsman had a solid Asia Cup campaign, but he needs to continue the show here.
Rayudu will be looking to make the number 4 place as his own. This is the chance for the senior player to have a crack at the Windies and consolidate his position in the side. India have had middle order issues, and Rayudu will be hoping to apply the fix, the management seeks from him.
Rayudu is a busy player and expect him to keep the scorecard going. He is capable of stitching big partnerships and bring that moment of composure. His ability to rotate the strike is a major plus. Also he is a clean striker of the cricket ball. India need him to bat till the end and win matches.
Rayudu provides that assurance and be that match-winner. In the 6 innings he played during the Asia Cup, he scored 175 runs at a decent average of 43.75.
Marlon Samuels (WI)
At 37 years, veteran Marlon Samules is the oldest player in this Windies squad. He has the desired experience of 199 ODIs under his belt. He has enough experience of playing in India and could steer that middle order.
Samuels is an excellent player against spin and that could be pivotal for the visitors. The right-hander is one of the eight Windies player to have scored 1000+ ODI runs against India. He has three centuries against the Men in Blue.
Yes, age has caught up so reflexes will be slower, but expect Samules to shoulder the responsibility of scoring runs with Chris Gayle missing out. Samuels could also be handy with his spin bowling and will also be expected to guide the inexperienced WI players in the side.
Samules possesses the quality of changing gears when required.
Shimron Hetmyer (WI)
The youngster couldn’t quite spice things up in the Test series and was out rather quickly in all the four innings. He will be hoping to make amends this time in the ODIs. The 21-year-old is touted to be the next big force in Windies cricket and this is a learning period for him.
He has the credentials keep things going in the middle order. His approach against a three-man spin attack will hold key. Hetmyer needs to be patient on the day and work things out. There is no space for being reckless. The conditions will test him, but it is a challenge he will relish.
He could thrive if WI are able to catch India on a dew-laden evening at this time of the year.
He also holds the record after slamming the fastest century in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) so that highlights his power hitting prowess. He can build the temp of the side with some quick runs.
In his 12-match ODI career so far, the 21-year-old has already scored two centuries and a fifty. His century against Bangladesh at Providence came in tricky conditions, and helped set up a three-run win for his side.
Jason Holder (WI)
The Windies captain will be wanting to Marshall his troops well and get the balance required. Holder showed his prowess in the 2nd Test and that could act as a moment of spark as far his contributions are concerned. His importance cannot be ignored in Windies scheme of things.
Holder’s attributes also lies lower down the order with some lusty blows in his tank. His knack for picking wickets will be vital especially against a settled top 3. A promising battle lies there. Holder is leading wicket taker in ODIs for Windies since ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
He knows what it takes to get the game flowing and the bag of experience could guide Windies to provide some fight. For WI it is a learning curve and Holder is the best man to lead his side with the hunger. The skipper’s game is tailor-made for the shorter formats.