I must say, I was left disappointed by India’s decision to not play Rishabh Pant in ODI series against West Indies. I was very excited when selectors named him in the squad. I thought Indian team management will use this, otherwise meaningless, tour as a chance to give youngsters an opportunity but it didn’t quite turn out that way. There were several reasons why Pant should have donned Indian cap this series. Of course, he has grabbed limelight via IPL and U19 World Cup but the fact that he had an excellent Ranji Trophy season manifests he is not just one dimensional player i.e he is more than see ball, hit ball player. But perhaps, Virat Kohli couldn’t accommodate him – which is fair enough too, as baring Virat himself, many players in current squad play only ODI cricket, so asking them to rest (when they are already playing so less international cricket) wouldn’t have been an ideal scenario.
At the same time, I am happy to see Kuldeep Yadav embracing the opportunity. He is a fine prospect. He is adroit and he gauge the conditions quickly – the kind of ability greats over the years have possessed. Underlining point is Kuldeep Yadav's impeccable control. Wristspinners generally have poor control as they use their wrist vis-à-vis fingerspinners who are dependent on fingers, but Kuldeep hardly bowls a half-tracker or a half-volley. He can be solution to India’s middle over malfunctioning but to pass a judgment so early wouldn’t be ideal. So let us wait and see how he respond against quality teams.
The other talking point was MS Dhoni’s weird knock in third game – where he again became the sole reason for India’s defeat. In my liking it is happening too often these days. MS needs to reinvent his game. His formula isn’t boring fruits for him which is a worrying sign. Personally, I think, the time is ripe for selectors to start discussing whether he fits in the team or not by taking the 2019 World Cup as a benchmark. Of course he brings experience and is perfect guide for juvenile Virat Kohli but a Wicket Keeper Batsman should be judged by his contribution behind the stumps and in term of runs scored. Run aren’t quite flowing and his strongest suit wicket keeping has started to deteriorate. Hard call needs to be taken.
At the same time, I am happy to see Kuldeep Yadav embracing the opportunity. He is a fine prospect. He is adroit and he gauge the conditions quickly – the kind of ability greats over the years have possessed. Underlining point is Kuldeep Yadav's impeccable control. Wristspinners generally have poor control as they use their wrist vis-à-vis fingerspinners who are dependent on fingers, but Kuldeep hardly bowls a half-tracker or a half-volley. He can be solution to India’s middle over malfunctioning but to pass a judgment so early wouldn’t be ideal. So let us wait and see how he respond against quality teams.
The other talking point was MS Dhoni’s weird knock in third game – where he again became the sole reason for India’s defeat. In my liking it is happening too often these days. MS needs to reinvent his game. His formula isn’t boring fruits for him which is a worrying sign. Personally, I think, the time is ripe for selectors to start discussing whether he fits in the team or not by taking the 2019 World Cup as a benchmark. Of course he brings experience and is perfect guide for juvenile Virat Kohli but a Wicket Keeper Batsman should be judged by his contribution behind the stumps and in term of runs scored. Run aren’t quite flowing and his strongest suit wicket keeping has started to deteriorate. Hard call needs to be taken.
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