The last match result as mentioned in my previous post was not altogether unexpected for me. Windies looked far more hungrier and determined. India went mostly through the motions and it showed in their intent on the field and on the 22 yards. India fielded poorly, bowled average and then had a field day with the bat.
The biggest concern for Dhoni would be, in my mind, the form of the ever so dependable Virat Kohli. He would like Virat to get back to form somewhere in the series before he pack his bags for a long sojourn Down Under which ends with the 'Big' tournament. I am sure Ravi Shastri would have given him a pep talk post the match.
India opened well with Ajinkya and Shikhar. Had Ajinkya not run himself out the end result could have been different. Shikhar still looks rusty and not as fluent as he would like to be. If he continues to bat like this, the selectors might start having other ideas for the World Cup. This is like a Pre World Cup practice series, and the selectors would like to see key players get back to form, and try out fringe ones. Murali Vijay is one player who must be waiting for his chance. His luck has run out of late and may be his new bearded look might help.
He can be an asset in subcontinental conditions, but can he be trusted for the World Cup? Why is he in the team at the first place. Robin Uthappa, a much improved version, and a much more hungry version is what we needed to infuse some energy at the top. He could have been the answer to push Shikhar. Murali is easily the 3rd choice, and will remain so for the series and for some time to come. And with Rohit making his intentions clear that he is 90% fit and ready to come back at the top, Shikhar is likely to lose out (and Murali would continue to be relegated as a fringe opener). Unless of course the team management thinks otherwise and would like to push for the age old tactics of a left and right combination to upset the bowlers' rhythms.
This is also an important game for Ishant Sharma. The man suddenly is no longer in the starting XI of an Indian one day side. He would be nervous today and it is good for him. Ishant could be a vital cog in Team India's World Cup trophy defense plans. India cannot win the coveted trophy with a bunch of nothing bowlers.We have one consistent seamer in Bhuvi. We need another. Shami has bowled well in the death overs but remains expensive. Ishant brings with him the potency of pace and bounce. In Australia he could be a shotgun with a purpose.
From the Windies standpoint, all their IPL gains showed in the match. They now know what it perhaps takes to win in Indian conditions. That is a dangerous ammunition to have against Team India. Almost half the side consists of players who (Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder and Darren Sammy) are seasoned IPL players now and know the conditions more than any other foreign players. Dwayne Bravo is a wise horse and is a street smart captain who knows his limitations. Playing for Dhoni he would learned quite a few tricks. I give him full points to lead a Windies side to victory (sans Gayle and a banned Sunil Narine) to victory against a full strength Indian side at Kochi (which is no longer an IPL venue). His captaincy was inspired and I would be excited to see how he leads the side rest of the series. If he can string together another set of wins, the Windies would have nailed a vital issue in their one day cricket.
I expect India to bat much better, and perhaps win this for sure. But, Dwayne Bravo is the man. Love his dance moves !!! Hope he gets plenty of opportunities to do some moves today !! lol
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