3 changes India could make for the 4th ODI
India was expected to have a tough limited-overs tour Down Under with Australia and New Zealand capable of ruffling Indian feathers. Yet, after a combined six games in those two countries, the visitors have been on the wrong end of the exchange only once.
Before India came calling, New Zealand breezed past Sri Lanka and blanked the Islanders 3-0. Thus, many believed the former to pose more of a threat to the irresistible Indian side.
However, New Zealand has capitulated against a strong Indian side and find themselves 3-0 down, with their hopes of a series victory well and truly extinguished.
While there are problems aplenty for the hosts, the visitors will be accorded a rare opportunity to test out their bench strength and work on different permutations and combinations.
Thus, through the lens of this article, we would take a look at the changes India should make for the encounter in Hamilton and why those tweaks are necessary.
#3 Play Vijay Shankar
The Tamil Nadu all-rounder was drafted into the squad after Hardik Pandya was suspended. Though Vijay Shankar performed admirably with the ball whenever called upon, he was the first to make way when the latter becomes available again.
For years, India has lacked a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder but now they seem to have two players capable of filling the void. While Pandya has already established himself on the international stage, the same can hardly be said for Shankar.
Pandya himself has only recently returned from a long injury lay-off and thus, he too needs minutes under his belt. Hence, India should contemplate replacing Jadhav with Shankar.
Jadhav has already proved his worth on the biggest stage and is a near certainty to be on the plane to England.
Therefore, it would make sense to give him a break and provide Shankar the platform to showcase his talents.
Primarily a batting all-rounder, Shankar would not be out of his depth at No.6. Moreover, if he can come up trumps, India would be in an enviable position of being able to boast of two seam-bowling all-rounders heading into the World Cup.
With not much time left before the World Cup, India needs to make the most of opportunities to test its fringe players.
Though it is hardly a guarantee that Shankar would repay the team’s faith, it will surely provide India with a better idea of who might serve them well in England and who might not.
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