India vs. Zimbabwe 2nd ODI: Five players to watch out for

India’s convincing victory in the first match against Zimbabwe underlined the difference of quality that exists between the two teams but there were many areas where both the teams could improve.

Moreover, the series remains important for India as they are trying to give an opportunity to as many new talents as possible. Jaidev Unadkat and Ambati Rayudu were impressive on debut and are likely to retain their places whereas Amit Mishra proved his worth once against with a valuable spell of quality leg-spin bowling.

The batting department had a few more issues as Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina failed to make a mark.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, were solid with the bat as the opening pair of Sikandar Raza and Vusi Sibanda managed to survive a sharp spell of swing bowling. They will do better by accumulating more runs in the middle overs by rotating the strike but this side can put up an improved performance once the likes of Masakadza and Brendan Taylor perform.

Elton Chigumbura’s contribution with the bat was another positive as his run of form had not been impressive in the last few outings.

Here is a selection of five players who we can watch out for in the 2nd ODI:

Vinay Kumar

5. Vinay Kumar

Vinay Kumar bowled an excellent spell with the new ball in the first match but was not rewarded for his efforts though. If you had a penny for every time he had the batsman poking, you would have a minor fortune in your hands.

His figures of 1/57 in his nine overs did not reflect that aspect of his performance. However, he is certainly not a death bowler with his ordinary pace and natural aptitude for length bowling. He does not swing the ball both ways with equal ease as his stock ball is the out-swinger and hence it is difficult to see him filling in for somebody like Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He will have to produce something sensational in the next few matches to make the best of this trip.