Team India recently finished their tour to West Indies and except for the red-ball format, the whole series was a reality check for men in blue. Before playing the limited-over series, team India won the Test series against West Indies by 1-0. However, the game completely changed in the red-ball format as team India found it difficult to score a win against the hosts in the ODI series.
After winning the first ODI, team India lost the 2nd ODI but won the series by winning the 3rd ODI. Even though the numbers speak in favour of men in blue there were patches of struggling to dominate the West Indies squad who have already lost their place in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Skipper Hardik Pandya and his squad made headlines for all the wrong reasons after losing the T20 series against West Indies by 3-2. The hosts outnumbered one of the best T20 squads and declared their supremacy. The top bookmakers in India have cricket odds for them.
Here are 5 takeaways from India’s series defeat in the T20 format against West Indies.
Hardik Pandya still has a long way to go as a skipper
To evolve into a successful team captain, Hardik Pandya still has a few things to learn. He should cultivate strong leadership qualities by leading by example. Dedication, work ethic, and a positive attitude inspire teammates to follow suit. Pandya should also master the art of tactical decision-making. A captain's choices during crucial moments can sway the game's outcome.
Understanding his teammates' strengths, weaknesses, and emotions can help build a cohesive and resilient team. His victory in IPL has given him the confidence to lead the senior team but there are a few things that the GT captain is still lacking.
Lack of depth in India’s batting department
India, historically known for its strong batting lineup, has been facing a concerning issue in recent times – a lack of depth in its batting department. While the team still boasts exceptional top-order batsmen, the middle and lower-order have shown vulnerability.
One primary reason is the overreliance on a few key players, which exposes the team when they fail to perform. The skipper himself showed a below-average performance in the whole tournament.
No clarity over Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav
The Indian team management is yet to decide on the roles of Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav in the ODI format. Both players have been in good form in the T20I format, but they have not yet cemented their places in the ODI team. Samson has been tried at both opening and No. 4 in ODIs, but he has not been able to consistently perform.
Yadav, on the other hand, has been used as a middle-order batsman, but he has also not been able to make a big impact. This confusion has also created insecurity inside both players and whatever their future is, it should be communicated to both players.
India might still need Kohli and Rohit in T20Is
The Indian cricket team, despite its wealth of talent, still relies heavily on the duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the T20 format, and for good reason. Firstly, their immense experience brings stability and balance to the team.
Kohli's consistency in chasing and Rohit's explosive starts provide a strong foundation. Their partnership at the top is a valuable asset that's hard to replace. Secondly, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill failed to impress as the opening batters in the team during the West Indies tour.
Jaiswal and Varma the future stars
Yashaswi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma, the rising talents in Indian cricket, are undoubtedly the future stars of the national team. These young prodigies have shown remarkable potential and have already started to make their mark on the cricketing landscape.
