Focus on KL Rahul as India eye series whitewash

Comprehensive wins in the first two One-Day Internationals (ODI) has given India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, but in the larger context, it has given much-needed time in the middle for a few players on the fringes. 

While Sanju Samson scored a match-winning 39-ball 43 in the last game, Shumban Gill continued his excellent form. Deepak Chahar too, returned to put in a top-notch performance after months on the sidelines, along with vital contributions from Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel.

They have certainly given India some options going ahead.

However, the matter of concern for India is the lack of opportunities and runs for KL Rahul. Rahul was drafted late into the squad, and India would have wanted for their premier batter to get some runs under his belt ahead of the Asia Cup, which is less than a week away.

While he did not get a chance to bat in the first game, he was dismissed for a single in the next outing, and this match will be his last chance to get back into the groove. India have won the toss on both occasions so far, but have chosen to field first. 

While their bowlers have done a commendable job to restrict Zimbabwe, their batters have either not got an opportunity to bat or have squandered the chance to spend quality time at the crease. 

Rahul should perhaps consider batting first if he wins the toss again, and the batters will have the best chance to make use of the time at the crease. Additionally, it will also give the bowlers a new challenge – that of defending a target.

In their previous series against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe chased down two totals in excess of 290 and India batting first could be an opportunity for them to get a consolation victory.

It has been a tough series for them, given that they are missing quality players like Craig Ervine, Blessing Muzarabani and many others, but there’s no reason for them not to even put up 200 on the board in the two matches so far. After scoring two tons against Bangladesh, Sikandar Raza has scored just 12 and 16 in his two innings in the series, which has been the biggest disappointment given the expectations from him.

No Zimbabwe batter has crossed 50 even once, with Sean Williams getting the closest courtesy off a 42. Their top five have failed miserably and would need at least one or maybe two of them to bat deep. 

Among the full-member nations this year, their top five batters have the lowest combined average (25.6) and lost a wicket once every 34.7, which is again the lowest among all teams. Also, overall, their batters have scored at a run rate of just 4.9 this year. Only Afghanistan, with 4.8, have been poorer. Their batting will once again be put under the scanner in this game.

Given that they face Australia and T20 World Cup 2022 next, this is surely their last chance to get their combinations right. 

Don’t be surprised if they include the likes of Donald Tiripano and Milton Shumba, who will add to Zimbabwe’s depth. Luke Jongwe has been severely under-bowled, bowling just six overs so far in the series. With wickets of Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill in quick succession, Zimbabwe were given a window, but that was completely shut down with a 56-run stand between Samson and Hooda. 

They have been slightly better in the bowling department – another reason why bowling first could work in their favour.

Zimbabwe probable XI: Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano/Milton Shumba, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (C & wk), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Donald Tiripano, Brad Evans, Victor Nyauchi, Tanaka Chivanga

India, on the other hand, could further test their bench strength. Maybe an ODI debut for Rahul Tripathi or even Shahaz Ahmed does not look to be out of question. Deepak Chahar, who missed the second game most likely as a precaution, could also find a place in the XI.

Also, given that Avesh Khan, who has been picked for the Asia Cup, will hope for some game time ahead of the multi-team event.

India probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan/Rahul Tripathi, KL Rahul (C), Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel/Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj/Avesh Khan