India will get one last opportunity to test their reserve bench ahead of the Asia Cup and other bigger assignments when they play Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI in Harare on Monday.
So far, the KL Rahul-led side have had to break little sweat against the Zimbabweans, who have found the going to be extremely tough as they don’t play the top-tier teams too often.
Some credit has to be given to India’s bowlers too, particularly the quicks who have been disciplined and accurate in the two matches so far to play a leading role in the visitors’ series win.
But the same cannot be said about India’s batting group though.
Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill were clinical in the first ODI, helping India romp to a 10-wicket win with ample overs to spare. The second and penultimate one-dayer, too, was over early as India chased down 162 with as many as 146 balls remaining. But not before slipping to 97 for 4 from 47 for 1.
Skipper Rahul, in order to give himself more time with the bat, went to open alongside Dhawan with Gill coming in at No.3.
But Rahul managed only 1 run in his comeback innings and, irrespective of whether he again opens on Monday or not, he would certainly like to make a meaningful contribution to make himself feel better going into the Asia Cup.
In Ishan Kishan’s place, India do have the option of bringing in Ruturaj Gaikwad or Rahul Tripathi. For that matter, Bengal spinner all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed is also at their disposal.
With the bat, Dhawan and Gill have had a good time out in the middle, while Sanju Samson too impressed in terms of his temperament and composure to bail India out of a tricky position in the previous game.
If Samson performs even in the final ODI, that may well help him prove a point to the selectors.
In bowling, India need to figure out if a tweak or two is needed. Pacer Deepak Chahar, who did fantastically well in the opening game (which was also his first competitive appearance after almost six months), deserves another chance.
Shardul Thakur, who came in Chahar’s place on Saturday, did strike thrice but finished with an economy rate of close to five-and-a-half runs per over. That too, against a mediocre batting line-up.
⚫ Match starts: 12.45pm (IST). Live on Sony Six
