The seven-match ODI series between India and Australia has lived up to expectations. It was supposed to be a closely fought series and both the sides have done just the same. The Vadodara thriller proved to be a blockbuster start for the series. India massacred Australia in Nagpur and Delhi, but the Aussies pulled one back in Mohali. Four down and three to go; both the teams are back to square one with a 2-2 score. MSN India does a rewind and looks back at some of the Indian cricketers who have fizzed and flopped in the first four one-dayers.
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir's 68-run knock in Vadodara stood tall amongst the Indian batting ruin. His 76 runs in the Nagpur run-fest also came at a crucial time; when he partnered MS Dhoni and resurrected the innings. Gambhir was laid low by an injury in the Mohali ODI, and so far he has made two fifties, scoring 150 runs at an average of 50.00.
Excellent
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I think, Aussies are saving minimum of 20 to 25 runs by great fielding and indians also should do the same so that the total they chase do not mount to field lapse.
I do feel Harbhajan & Ishant are not their best form can be rested and replaced by Munaf & Mishra.
I think the captain and selectors have to take a call on Harbhajan and Ishant as far as bowling is concerned. Both need to be rested and told to go back to the nets and play a few local games. Meanwhile Munaf Patel and Mishra need to be given a chance in the last three matches.
As far as batting is concerned, if Gambhir is fit again, then the team will be fine. In limited overs cricket one or two batsmen will have to take chances for scoring quick runs and the connected risk of getting out. Therefore one should not be too concerned on performance of Sehwag and Raina unless they fail in next couple of matches too. Then surely the decision will have to be reviewed.
Finally, I hope MSD will chose to bat first in case he wins the toss since that is our strength.