5 reasons why India should not get complacent with ODI series win in England

The Indian cricket team overcame a 1-3 series loss in the Test series against England to inflict a series defeat on the hosts in the 5-match ODI series that followed: only their second ODI series win in the Old Blighty. The series win coming after losses in the ODI leg of their previous overseas outings,  0-2 in South Africa and 0-4 in New Zealand, has led to the school of belief that the team has become a lot better and can go on to defend the World Cup title next year in Australia and New Zealand. However, here, I present you the 5 reasons why India shouldn’t get self-satisfied with the result. 

#1 Opening woes continue

India have failed to find a consistent opening pair ever since Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir were dropped from the side. Following a series of experiments that bore no fruits, Rohit Sharma was made to partner Shikhar Dhawan in the Champions Trophy last year in England. The duo notched up 2 hundred and 2 half-century stands, which paved the way for the team's glorious run in the tournament. However, their failure in the fast and bouncy pitches of South Africa and the seaming conditions of New Zealand (with scores of 50, 8, 5, 64, 22, 15, 10, 14) put immense pressure on the middle order and, in turn, led to back-to-back series defeats. 

Rohit and Dhawan could contribute only 19 for the 1st wicket in the 2nd ODI of the just concluded series against England, after which the former was ruled out with injury. It paved the way for Ajinkya Rahane, who has been trusted with all sorts of roles by MS Dhoni depending on the team's needs, to partner Dhawan.

Barring the 4th ODI where the duo put on 183 runs while chasing 207, they have failed to consistently deliver, as well.

They say well begun is half the job done, and it is essential for India to find an opening pair who would give the Men in Blue an ideal launch pad so that players like Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni can play their natural game.