The series against West Indies may have ended abruptly, but India still have a chance to get some match practice before they head to Australia, thanks to the Sri Lankan team agreeing to tour India for five one-dayers starting next month. Interestingly, there have been a few key changes in the Indian squad in comparison to the one that took on the West Indies. The biggest change has been that in the leadership, with MS Dhoni being rested for the first three ODIs, and Virat Kohli taking on the mantle of leadership for the upcoming Lanka series.
The biggest positive for India from the series against West Indies was clearly the return to form of their most prolific one-day batsman Kohli. Now that he is back among the runs, Kohli must try to carry on his good form against the Sri Lankans as well. Further, since Kohli will also be leading the team in the series, it will provide him a good opportunity to test his skills. Of course, Kohli has done the stop-gap job earlier in his career as well, but Lanka being a strong one day side, Kohli’s aptitude will be tested.
The series against Sri Lanka is also a good opportunity for Wriddhiman Saha to display his skills with the bat, and behind the stumps as well. With Dhoni being the first-choice wicket-keeper and captain across all formats for now, Saha has found it extremely difficult to break into the Indian team. An impressive performance in the upcoming series against Lanka may not help him cement his place in the team, but at least it would give the Indian selectors an additional option in case Dhoni is injured or unfit to take his place in the side.
Also under test will be a few other fringe players, who have been in and out of the one-day team. Ishant Sharma has found his place back into the side owing to injuries to other bowlers. But, India will need to take a call soon on whether he is the scheme of things for the World Cup, and the series will give the selectors a fair idea of a same. Leggie Amit Mishra impressed in one game against the West Indies, but his consistency has been disappointing. With newcomer Akshar Patel also making an impression, India will have a tough call to decide their spinners.
Almost unassumingly, Murali Vijay has made his comeback into the one-day team. But, with the opening slots rotating between Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, it seems difficult for Vijay to get a look in. If India want him in the scheme of things, they must give him a chance to prove himself. The selectors also need to be careful with the youngsters. Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav and Karn Sharma all have been dropped from the team without being given an opportunity. Alternately, those who have been selected must look to make the best of the chances that come their way.
--By A Cricket Analyst
