Opting to discipline first, India’s spin duo, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav orchestrated the downfall of the West Indies batting line-up, bundling them out for a paltry 114 runs in simply 23 overs.
As it occurred: India vs West Indies, 1st ODI
India’s resolution to open the bowling with all-rounder Hardik Pandya and debutant Mukesh Kumar proved to be a masterstroke. The pair saved the West Indian batsmen in test with a disciplined and economical opening spell. However, it was the spinners who turned the tide in India’s favour.
Jadeja registered spectacular figures of three/37 in 6 overs, whereas Kuldeep spun an internet across the batsmen, returning astonishing figures of 4/6 in 3 overs. Their devastating partnership dismantled the West Indies’ batting order and set the stage for a cushty chase for the Indian staff.
West Indies’ skipper Shai Hope put up a valiant combat, top-scoring with a gritty 43, however the lack of considerable partnerships and help from the remainder of the batting line-up hindered the hosts from posting a aggressive complete.
Chasing a modest goal, India’s batting order bore a singular look. Skipper Rohit Sharma took on an unorthodox position, coming in as little as No. 7, whereas the dependable Virat Kohli did not even get an opportunity to wield the willow.
The strategic resolution was geared toward offering beneficial sport time to the middle-order batsmen, an important facet in honing their expertise and constructing confidence forward of main tournaments, particularly the extremely anticipated World Cup.
Ishan Kishan seized the chance with gusto, showcasing his attacking prowess and temperament on the crease. The younger left-hander composed an excellent half-century, scoring 52 runs off 46 balls, steering India to a cushty victory in simply 22.5 overs.
While Suryakumar Yadav (19) and Hardik Pandya (5) didn’t capitalise on their possibilities, Kishan’s heroics firmly put his identify in rivalry for the essential position of the third/reserve opener or a middle-order choice.
The pitch at Kensington Oval offered an interesting contest between bat and ball. It supplied vital flip and bounce, making it difficult for the batsmen from each side to settle and discover their rhythm.
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was the standout bowler for the West Indies, creating issues for the Indian batsmen along with his probing strains and variations. However, the modest complete set by the hosts didn’t show to be sufficient to mount a severe problem towards India’s sturdy batting line-up.
India’s strategic strategy within the match, giving precedence to experimenting with the batting order, stemmed from the necessity to establish and solidify one of the best mixture earlier than main tournaments. With chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar current on the match, these well-thought-out strikes mirrored the staff administration’s foresight in planning for the long run. India’s high three batsmen have persistently piled up runs prior to now, however the middle-order has typically struggled on account of a scarcity of considerable sport time.
(With inputs from PTI)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com