Cricket

Short-term, Sri Lanka ODIs; bigger picture Champions Trophy

August 1, 2024
Shamik Chakrabarty
Rohit Sharma in the press conference. Source (X)

 

Shamik Chakrabarty in Colombo

In microcosm, this is just a three-match ODI series, devoid of context and much relevance from India’s point of view. The bigger picture tells a different story. India will play just six ODIs before the Champions Trophy next year and apart from this series, they have three more 50-over games, against England at home in February, before the big event.

In a congested calendar, ODIs are an outlier, fast losing their currency away from marquee tournaments. But India need to have a look at a few things and they don’t have much time. Irrespective of how the Champions Trophy is staged – in Pakistan or with a hybrid-hosting model – the tournament will be played in February-March next year.

Apart from the wicketkeeper-batsman slot – KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant – India’s batting order is settled in this format. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open, Virat Kohli will come at No. 3 and Shreyas Iyer will be at No. 4. Hardik Pandya has opted out of this series, but he remains firmly in India’s 50-over scheme of things. The series against Sri Lanka that starts in Colombo on Friday gives the team management an opportunity to look at the back-up options.

Both Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag are part of the squad, as is Washington Sundar. Dube played in one game in the recently concluded T20I series but he didn’t bowl, although India used seven bowlers in the dead rubber. Parag played all three games and bowled regularly. He was the team’s preferred choice for the sixth bowler and took three wickets in the first match, bowling right-arm mixed-bag. Washington played one game and came up with a Player of the Match performance, contributing with both bat and ball. It would be interesting to see India’s team combination for the first ODI.

In Pandya’s absence, the tourists will have to pick a third seamer, and it’s a tough call between Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana. The latter looked impressive at the nets, bowling at a good pace, hitting the right areas and targeting the stumps. Even looking at the future, India need a third seamer, given that Jasprit Bumrah would be used sparingly in this format going ahead.

Also, a question mark remains over Mohammed Shami’s future participation in white-ball cricket even after he returns from his injury. Rana had an excellent IPL for KKR this year, where he enjoyed playing under Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship. Gambhir is now the India coach and it would be interesting to see if he throws the young fast bowler in at the deep end.

Talk of the future, the Champions Trophy to be precise, sort of got a lukewarm response from Rohit though. He showed his inclination to stay in the present. “See, we get asked questions like these (preparation for the Champions Trophy) a lot these days; is this a preparation for the World Cup, is this a preparation for the Champions Trophy?” Rohit said at the pre-match press conference. “See, this is not a practice ground. It’s still an international game.

“We will keep in our mind what we want to achieve as an international team. But this is by no means preparation or practice or anything like that. We want to come here, play good cricket and get something out of the series. It’s as simple as that. When you are representing your nation, the quality of cricket should remain the way it is.”

As Rahul Dravid ended his stint as India coach, Rohit paid a glorious tribute, calling the former his “work wife” via an Instagram post. Now, Gambhir has taken charge and it will take some time to build a new partnership. The two had a lengthy conversation during India’s practice session yesterday. “Gauti bhai remains jovial in the dressing room,” said the India captain. “Gautam Gambhir has played a lot of cricket. He worked in the IPL (as a mentor) before coming to the Indian team. We played a bit of cricket together. Every new coaching team brings on something different.”

Rohit condoles Gaekwad’s death

“Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Anshuman Gaekwad’s passing,” said Rohit. “I was lucky to get a few opportunities to talk to him in the past. It’s always nice to learn from your seniors. Condolences to his family.”

The former India opener lost his battle to cancer and breathed his last on Wednesday

To stay updated with the Olympics: 

For more sports content: https://revsportz.in/