India vs West Indies: The shorter formats of the India and West Indies series may have come to an end with India clinching both the T20 and ODI series against the home team West Indies, it has left a lot to talk about. While young guns Navdeep Saini and Washington Sundar impressed one and all with their abilities in the shortest format, it was Shreyas Iyer’s turn to shine in the ODI series. Their expressive temperament won the games for the team. Guided by the experienced Indian seniors, youngsters could display their abilities and also guided the Indian team towards the victory. Now that the T20 and One Day Internationals have finished, here are the five talking points of the series:
1. King Kohli
Be it any ground across the globe, the master of the chase and backbone of the Indian batting line-up, Virat Kohli has showcased his proficiency to score runs at ease, and in plenty. The Indian skipper had not scored a single century in the past five months, but he came back to form and displayed just why he’s touted to be the best in the game. He scored back to back scintillating centuries in the last two ODI games after the first match was washed out due to rain. Kohli stitched partnerships all-along, guiding India to fine wins, and leading from the front.Virat Kohli scored 120 and 114* in the second and third ODI taking, thereby also creating a record by becoming the only player to score 20,000 runs in a decade.
2. Shreyas Iyer may be the answer India was looking fo
Shreyas Iyer coming good in the two ODIs, and the temperament and attitude he displayed, it may be a long-standing fix to the woes of the No. 4 batting slot that the team has been marred with, from the last 2 years. From trying Ambati Rayudu to experimenting with Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian team management had been struggling to find the solution for the right player to play at no. 4 position. While Rishabh Pant came in to bat at no. 4 in the just concluded T20 and ODI series, it was Shreyas Iyer who impressed everyone with his good knocks. He scored 71 and 65 in the second and third ODI respectively. Shreyas Iyer displayed maturity and calm and could serve this team for long.
3. Rishabh Pant’s temperament issues
Rishabh Pant has been getting a lot of backing from the former players and fans taking the fact into the consideration what he brings to the table and the x-factor that he possesses. He is also slated to be the replacement for MS Dhoni in the longer run. He tried to prove his worth in the World Cup when he came in as a replacement for injured Shikhar Dhawan. He scored runs in the tournament, but always failed to convert those into big innings. Fast forward to the West Indies series, Pant has repeated the mistakes he did at the World Cup, putting forth his immaturity and ill-temperament. He plays far too many shots, and doesn’t pick the right balls to hit. He has not yet justified his selection despite getting ample support from everyone His shot selection has cost him his wicket on several occasions and that was the case right throughout the series.
Pant could have easily become the finisher of the game, but couldn’t deliver what was expected of him, despite getting the perfect platform during the games. He needs to realize the opportunities once gone doesn’t easily come back.
4. Rain played the spoilsport
Be it the T20 series or ODI series, rain played the major spoilsport. From the rain in almost every match to DLS deciding the winner. Although it was team India who had the upper hand over the home side, it was rain that played its role very consistently in both the series. 1st ODI was abandoned due to the heavy rains at the Province Stadium, Guyana. The next two games were decided through DLS method. Rain interrupts in the engagement of the two teams by deciding the fate of the matches. However, the Indian side was very dominant as they lifted the cup of the T20 and ODI series.
5. The KL Rahul Conundrum
India used KL Rahul as the opener at the World Cup after Shikhar Dhawan’s injury, however, with Sikhar back for the West Indies series, KL Rahul lost a starting place in both T20s and ODIs. Rahul just got one match in the T20s, when he replaced a rested Rohit Sharma for the 3rd T20 international, however, he didn’t do himself any favours, failing to convert his start and getting caught at 20.
If Rahul’s chances will come-by and what he does with it, remains to be seen.
