Series against West Indies a chance for Dhawan, Kohli to strike form

Normally, a lot is not to be gained from a series against West Indies at home. But, the latest series which is to begin with the one-dayers on Wednesday is going to be different. In the aftermath of yet another debacle away from home, India will be keen to set things right against the West Indians. Although they won the one-dayers in England, not all of the players hit form. With this being the last series India will be playing at home before the World Cup, the players would be keen to succeed. Although conditions will be vastly different in Australia and New Zealand, players can at least take some confidence going into Australia.
The series will be critical for a few players in particular, above all Virat Kohli. The talented youngster went to England with high expectations, but his technique as well as temperament were completely found it. In fact, his only half-century on the tour came in the final match of the series, in a T20, and that too in a losing cause. Things will be easier against West Indies since the attack will be less probing, and the conditions too won't be that challenging. Still, it is imperative that Kohli gets among the runs, since he would find it difficult to strike form in Australia.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan is another batsman who will be under the scanner. His career has taken a steady beating in 2014 after the highs of last season, and that too in all formats. After a complete struggle in South Africa, he rescued his career with a century in New Zealand, but the troubling times were back in England. In fact, he got only one half-century on the entire England tour. He got many starts during the tour, but could not convert them. It is about time he hits form, else India's opening woes would only get worse. Dhawan must also change the perception of him being a basher of weak attacks.
The series will also mark the return of experienced leggie Amit Mishra to the Indian squad following injury. Mishra had an impressive run for an elongated period before the semi-finals and finals of the World T20, where he completely struggled and subsequently ended up losing his place in the team. In the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been rested, Mishra will play the role of lead spinner. This is an opportunity for him to impress and book a place in the team for Australia. A leg-spinner can play the role of a match-winner even in Australia, and if Mishra can regain his confidence, he will be an asset for India.
India have had the better of West Indies in recent times, and will be confident of achieving the same against the familiar opponents. But, for that they will have to play up to potential. Irrespective of the nature of the opposition, they cannot things lightly. For this, it is imperative that their in-form players like Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Bhuvneshwar Kumar continue their good work. Perceptibly, India do not have any weaknesses, at least against the West Indians at home. But, they need to stick together and put up an invincible show. Else, the signs won't be promising as they head Down Under.
--By A Cricket Analyst