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Why the Indian ODI team needs to experiment

giri26

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The Indian team have had a fabulous year in ODIs since the beginning of the year. Virat Kohli’s team has won 17 out of their last 23 ODI games and have the second-best win-loss ratio for the year, behind only England.

But while the record has been brilliant, the team has failed to build the bench strength in the batting department during that time.

The year for India began with a three-match ODI series against England. The series saw the comeback of Yuvraj Singh, who had not played an ODI for India for a while. He scored a century in that series but, apart from a 50 in the game against Pakistan, he struggled to contribute consistently.

The team also failed to integrate young players into the squad. Rishabh Pant, who was part of the Indian squad to the West Indies, ended up not getting a single game and Lokesh Rahul, who was the third-choice opener for India in the ODI format, finds himself out of favour.

Virat Kohli, who has been excellent in handling the bowling resources at his disposal, has not been very efficient in doing so in the batting department. The team has played safe throughout the year and the captain hasn’t been too keen to experiment in the batting department. The Indian team haven’t tried out any young player except for Lokesh Rahul and Manish Pandey over the last year or so, which is baffling.

The recently concluded Australian ODI series also did not see much experimentation in terms of the batting. The bowling attack was rotated for one game, but the batting line-up remained the same. The world cup is just under two years from now and the Indian team needs to try out new combinations to make sure they pick the right squad for the tournament.

In recent times players like Shreyas Iyer, Vijay Shankar, Karun Nair, Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson have impressed on their A tours, and these players deserve a chance to showcase their talent at the international level. The way the Indian team has handled Lokesh Rahul, who was an integral part of the Indian team in all three formats, has been poor as well. Rahul, who was the first-choice backup to Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, now finds himself out of favour in the shorter formats.

Even though the team has had a great year, there does not seem to be any planning keeping the future in mind. The Indian team still does not have a proper back-up for MS Dhoni in the ODI squad. Dinesh Karthik has been picked for few games but, again, I don’t think he is the long-term solution.

The team will be playing more ODI games later this year and I hope that the selectors pick some young players in the squad. This will give the team chance to rest their Test players to try out some young batsmen so that they can get some international games under their belt. They would need to gather as much experience as they can get to be prepared if they find themselves in the world cup squad.

Article by [MENTION=25545]giri26[/MENTION]
 
We have all the spots done.With chahal and kuldeep our spin options are now ready.
Our main dilemma is batsmen 4 and 5.

We need this year to experiment between rahane,rahul,pandey,yadav and pick any 2.I would also like to see shreyas iyer and risabh pant tried out.

WC TEAM 2019 -

Dhawan
Rohit
Kohli
Hardik
Dhoni
Bumrah
Bhuvneswar
Shami
Kuldeep
Chahal
Ashwin
Rahane
Umesh

and 3 middle order batsmen for a 16 man squad.
 
The Indian team have had a fabulous year in ODIs since the beginning of the year. Virat Kohli’s team has won 17 out of their last 23 ODI games and have the second-best win-loss ratio for the year, behind only England.

But while the record has been brilliant, the team has failed to build the bench strength in the batting department during that time.

The year for India began with a three-match ODI series against England. The series saw the comeback of Yuvraj Singh, who had not played an ODI for India for a while. He scored a century in that series but, apart from a 50 in the game against Pakistan, he struggled to contribute consistently.

The team also failed to integrate young players into the squad. Rishabh Pant, who was part of the Indian squad to the West Indies, ended up not getting a single game and Lokesh Rahul, who was the third-choice opener for India in the ODI format, finds himself out of favour.

Virat Kohli, who has been excellent in handling the bowling resources at his disposal, has not been very efficient in doing so in the batting department. The team has played safe throughout the year and the captain hasn’t been too keen to experiment in the batting department. The Indian team haven’t tried out any young player except for Lokesh Rahul and Manish Pandey over the last year or so, which is baffling.

The recently concluded Australian ODI series also did not see much experimentation in terms of the batting. The bowling attack was rotated for one game, but the batting line-up remained the same. The world cup is just under two years from now and the Indian team needs to try out new combinations to make sure they pick the right squad for the tournament.

In recent times players like Shreyas Iyer, Vijay Shankar, Karun Nair, Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson have impressed on their A tours, and these players deserve a chance to showcase their talent at the international level. The way the Indian team has handled Lokesh Rahul, who was an integral part of the Indian team in all three formats, has been poor as well. Rahul, who was the first-choice backup to Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, now finds himself out of favour in the shorter formats.

Even though the team has had a great year, there does not seem to be any planning keeping the future in mind. The Indian team still does not have a proper back-up for MS Dhoni in the ODI squad. Dinesh Karthik has been picked for few games but, again, I don’t think he is the long-term solution.

The team will be playing more ODI games later this year and I hope that the selectors pick some young players in the squad. This will give the team chance to rest their Test players to try out some young batsmen so that they can get some international games under their belt. They would need to gather as much experience as they can get to be prepared if they find themselves in the world cup squad.

Article by [MENTION=25545]giri26[/MENTION]

I seriously dont get whats wrong with Indan selectors, like they dropped Pant after one T20, dropped Rahul after one series, whereas they continued with Yuvi for long despite failure upon failure.

I really want Pant, Iyer, Rahul, Pandey etc given long run for them to establish themselves in Indian lineup. These useless Jamodis are supposed to be used an experiment to prepare for Worldcup, but our selectors bring back useless TTF :facepalm:

Id drop Dhoni, Jadhav, Ashwin(forever), Karthik and bring in Rahul, Pant, Iyer/Sundar for future series.
 
We have all the spots done.With chahal and kuldeep our spin options are now ready.
Our main dilemma is batsmen 4 and 5.

We need this year to experiment between rahane,rahul,pandey,yadav and pick any 2.I would also like to see shreyas iyer and risabh pant tried out.

WC TEAM 2019 -

Dhawan
Rohit
Kohli
Hardik
Dhoni
Bumrah
Bhuvneswar
Shami
Kuldeep
Chahal
Ashwin
Rahane
Umesh

and 3 middle order batsmen for a 16 man squad.

Too many bowlers in that Squad. Batting is very thin, and Pandya at # 4 is too high for him. He should bat at #4 only if top order have provided a platform for him to launch from ball one.
 
Too many bowlers in that Squad. Batting is very thin, and Pandya at # 4 is too high for him. He should bat at #4 only if top order have provided a platform for him to launch from ball one.

That is not in batting order.13 names are 13 ones sure to go i think,add 3 more middle order batsmen to be confirmed in this year of play for a 16 man squad.Then we have

Dhawan
Rohit
Kohli
Batsman
Batsman
Pandya
Dhoni
Bhuvi
Bumrah
Shami/ashwin/chahal
Kuldeep
 
Dhoni needs to be rested for the NZ ODI series and Pant needs to be tried out. We also need to rest Rohit and Dhawan and give Rahul a run at the top. I think Ashwin is gone from ODI team and don't see him playing the 2019 WC. Washington Sundar has been brilliant, so can probably be given a run in the team.
 
That is not in batting order.13 names are 13 ones sure to go i think,add 3 more middle order batsmen to be confirmed in this year of play for a 16 man squad.Then we have

Dhawan
Rohit
Kohli
Batsman
Batsman
Pandya
Dhoni
Bhuvi
Bumrah
Shami/ashwin/chahal
Kuldeep

How about this line up

R Sharma
S Dhawan
V Kohli
KL Rahul/ S Iyer
M Pandey
R Pant/ Dhoni
H Pandya ( He can be promoted if needed to score quickly)
B Kumar
K Yadav
U Chahal
J Bumrah

12th M Shami

Reserves

KL Rahul/ S Iyer
Shubham Gill/ Prithvi Shaw
R Jadeja


We really need to take at least 2 younsters from India A team, they have been performing really well. Im impressed with Shubahm Gill and he has the making to be Next Kohli. Prithvi Shaw needs no introduction, that kid is talented and next batting superstar from Mumbai.

Ashwin needs to be dropped, his bowling in Odis is toothless as we saw in CT, his fielding is horrible to say the least, and batting is tailenderish.
 
How about this line up

R Sharma
S Dhawan
V Kohli
KL Rahul/ S Iyer
M Pandey
R Pant/ Dhoni
H Pandya ( He can be promoted if needed to score quickly)
B Kumar
K Yadav
U Chahal
J Bumrah

12th M Shami

Reserves

KL Rahul/ S Iyer
Shubham Gill/ Prithvi Shaw
R Jadeja


We really need to take at least 2 younsters from India A team, they have been performing really well. Im impressed with Shubahm Gill and he has the making to be Next Kohli. Prithvi Shaw needs no introduction, that kid is talented and next batting superstar from Mumbai.

Ashwin needs to be dropped, his bowling in Odis is toothless as we saw in CT, his fielding is horrible to say the least, and batting is tailenderish.

kedar yadav at 9?i think u meant umesh yadav.I think umesh gives a lot of runs in ODI,in ODIs i'll put more faith in shami's inswingers at 140 plus.
Rahane needs to be in 16 as a backup opener with experience in england conditions i think.Also rate kuldeep over chahal.Jadeja over ashwin is pefectly feasible.
 
kedar yadav at 9?i think u meant umesh yadav.I think umesh gives a lot of runs in ODI,in ODIs i'll put more faith in shami's inswingers at 140 plus.
Rahane needs to be in 16 as a backup opener with experience in england conditions i think.Also rate kuldeep over chahal.Jadeja over ashwin is pefectly feasible.

K Yadav the chinaman
 
kedar yadav at 9?i think u meant umesh yadav.I think umesh gives a lot of runs in ODI,in ODIs i'll put more faith in shami's inswingers at 140 plus.
Rahane needs to be in 16 as a backup opener with experience in england conditions i think.Also rate kuldeep over chahal.Jadeja over ashwin is pefectly feasible.

If Squad is of 16 men then yes id take Rahane as backup opener. However, if needed we can also promote KL Rahul to open with Dhawan/Sharma.
 
If Squad is of 16 men then yes id take Rahane as backup opener. However, if needed we can also promote KL Rahul to open with Dhawan/Sharma.

It is strange how KL Rahul who was 3rd in line as the ODI/T20 opener now finds himself behind Rahane for a spat in the team.
 
I don’t think that the Indians have discarded Ashwin and Jadeja .... they are just trying out all combinations and giving chances to some new players ..... not a bad thing to do before the WC !!!!
 
I don’t think that the Indians have discarded Ashwin and Jadeja .... they are just trying out all combinations and giving chances to some new players ..... not a bad thing to do before the WC !!!!

It will be very difficult for Ashwin to get back into the ODI squad. Jadeja will be though due to his superior fitness and fielding. Axar, Chahal and Kuldeep's success might have ended Ashwin's limited overs career. The New Zealand series team selection will tell us more.
 
It is strange how KL Rahul who was 3rd in line as the ODI/T20 opener now finds himself behind Rahane for a spat in the team.

I dont really like Rahane to tell u the truth. Id not have him anywhere near ODI setup, however if u noticed i said id have him if Squad is of 16 men and that too behind KL Rahul. If i was selector, id be trying out Pant and KL Rahul opening combo and rest Sharma/Dhawan.
 
I don’t think that the Indians have discarded Ashwin and Jadeja .... they are just trying out all combinations and giving chances to some new players ..... not a bad thing to do before the WC !!!!

For the sake of Indian team, i hope Ashwin is discarded from Lois forever. He is complete liability in Odis.
 
Well seems like India have discarded KL Rahul for good. He has been dropped from the ODI squad against NZ. Poor from Shastri and Kohli, what a way to land a blow on the youngster. First they played him at number 4 to accommodate Rahane and then discarded him after few failures.
 
Stupid move,rahul should have been played.Much better technique than yadav the flat track slogger and can hit big too.
 
Pant has not done anything remarkably in the A tour and also in the two T20 oppurtunities he got.Also I dont think his keeping is good enough to be in an International team yet.We already had a bad experience with trying a young Parthiv Patel and hence I dont think selectors will try to blood him earlier.He needs to prove his case more in the A tours and also improve his keeping to be in Indian team.
 
One wonders why a team at the top of the table needs to experiment!? But guess change is good.
 
Pant has not done anything remarkably in the A tour and also in the two T20 oppurtunities he got.Also I dont think his keeping is good enough to be in an International team yet.We already had a bad experience with trying a young Parthiv Patel and hence I dont think selectors will try to blood him earlier.He needs to prove his case more in the A tours and also improve his keeping to be in Indian team.

That's coz despite being selected he was not selected in the team and TTF'S were given umpteen chances and he has played only 1 game in West Indies.
 
Top 11should be:

Shikhar
Rohit
Kohli
Rahul
Dhoni
Pandey
Pandya
Bhuvi

Top 8 should be
Rahul
Pant
Kohli
Iyer
Sunder
Shankar
Pandya
Krunal
Bhuvi
Kuldeep
Bumrah
 
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India needs to try out Pant and give him a run. MSD is a proper tailender now.

Also, Pandey has failed again and has proved that he is only an IPL bully.

Rahul should be given more chances. I trust him more than Pandey.

India needs another big hitter to come after Pandya. The problem is, if Pandya fails, there is no one to hit big. The tail of Chahal/Kuldeep/Bumrah/BK cannot score more than 10 runs between them. That's a pretty loooooong tail.

Here will be my team.
1) Dhawan
2) Rohit
3) Kohli
4) Raina/Rahul
5) Pant/MSD
6) Pandya
7) Another Allrounder (Krunal Pandya)
8) BK/Shami
9) Kuldeep
10)Chahal/Jaddu
11) Bumrah/Shami

I would trust Raina to bowl at least 5 overs. He is a decent spinner.

I honestly want MSD to be kicked out of the team permanantly. He is done. Living on past laurels. Not good enough. His keeping is good. But if he is in the team, he should come behind Hardik and Krunal in my above team.
 
Main problem is Indian fast bowling except bhuvneshwar
all go for runs even bumrah if India want to win 2019 prepare according to England flat pitches we need good left arm fast bowler for variety
Pandya will not be able to complete his quota every time.
 
Main problem is Indian fast bowling except bhuvneshwar
all go for runs even bumrah if India want to win 2019 prepare according to England flat pitches we need good left arm fast bowler for variety
Pandya will not be able to complete his quota every time.

Issue is not our bowling. Our bowling is actually pretty strong. Stronger than our batting.

Its the middle and lower middle that is the problem.

Jadhav/MSD/Pandey are duds. They are not going to bail you out when the top order gets out cheaply.

We need a reliable bat in place of Jadhav. Pant and Krunal are a must. I would even try out Iyer in place of Pandey.
 
KL Rahul’s axing is poor planning by India’s selectors

The Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand has been announced, with the biggest snub the exclusion of KL Rahul.

Team management has handled Rahul’s limted overs career strangely.

While Rohit Sharma missed the Sri Lanka ODI series, the Indian thinktank pushed Rahul to number four, instead of his regular opening slot. Making a comeback from injury, Rahul failed in the few games he played and did not feature against Australian in either the recent ODI or T20 series.

India’s captain and coach promised to try out youngsters in preparation for the 2019 World Cup, but the teams for the last few ODI series have by and large remained the same.

The pace bowling attack has mostly remained with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, with the spinners likewise similar. The batting order has seen some changes, but no new names. The selectors have also recalled Dinesh Karthik for the home series against New Zealand and while he has done well in the domestic competitions, his selection sticks out like a sore thumb.

If the ODI team is being selected with the World Cup in mind, Rishabh Pant should have been selected as MS Dhoni’s backup, but he’s seemingly out of favour.

The selection of Shradul Thakur is a good one, but why the youngster was dropped for the last ODI series is a mystery. Mohammed Shami has been India’s best ODI pacer over last few years, but has been discarded from the format.

Once again, the selection committee has shown no imagination in preparing adequate bench strength ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Rahul will be extremely disappointed – as he should be. He is a good young player and has done extremely well with the limited opportunities he has received. The decision to drop him is unfair.

The Indian team taking on New Zealand for the three ODI matches might win the series, but the selectors have once again missed a golden opportunity to blood young talent. This time though, they have dropped one of India’s best limited-overs talents.

Article by [MENTION=25545]giri26[/MENTION]
 
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Issue is not our bowling. Our bowling is actually pretty strong. Stronger than our batting.

Its the middle and lower middle that is the problem.

Jadhav/MSD/Pandey are duds. They are not going to bail you out when the top order gets out cheaply.

We need a reliable bat in place of Jadhav. Pant and Krunal are a must. I would even try out Iyer in place of Pandey.

Pant was a dud in SA A tour series and failed again now against NZ A team where the likes of Shardul Takur made runs.Sure he is good enough to replace Dhoni.
 
Rahul was given the opening spot well before the CT when Dhawan was out- of-form and India were struggling for an opening combination with Rohit.

Now that Dhawan was back to blasting in CT, he is the obvious opening pair to Rohit with Rahane being a back up opener.

In the meantime, Manish Pandey has been given a long run and he hasn't proved his worth yet. KL Rahul due to his injuries hasn't played much unfortunately but I look up at him as India's no.4.
 
One wonders why a team at the top of the table needs to experiment!? But guess change is good.

The World Cup is still long way away and the team does not have a competent back up for MS Dhoni. India have not tried a single new face behind the stumps over the last year or so. Also in terms of the batting line up, there are some spots still in question. Kedar Jadhav is still not very convincing at number 6. What happens if he flops big time on the overseas tours? Who will be India's number 6? It is always good to make minute changes in the X1 to test out some young players who have done well on the A tours to see how they measure up at this level. There is nothing wrong in that. Playing the same X1 means that you might end up with inexperienced players suddenly thrust into the limelight in the all important WC in case of an injury to you main player.
 
Rahul was given the opening spot well before the CT when Dhawan was out- of-form and India were struggling for an opening combination with Rohit.

Now that Dhawan was back to blasting in CT, he is the obvious opening pair to Rohit with Rahane being a back up opener.

In the meantime, Manish Pandey has been given a long run and he hasn't proved his worth yet. KL Rahul due to his injuries hasn't played much unfortunately but I look up at him as India's no.4.

The concern for me is that Rahul has been pushed out of the ODI team in favour of Rahane. KL Rahul was India's number 3 opener behind Dhawan and Rohit but he was suddenly pushed away from that spot and now from the team as well. I feel the management has been very inconsistent with selections with few players getting longer rope than the others.
 
Pant is an IPL bully, and even then his record isn’t too impressive. Runs in Ranji trophy where even sir jadeja has triple centuries don’t count. Seems like india are lacking batsmen :) Pandey is a dud. Don’t even need to mention Dhoni and Kedar uncle.

And babar azam wouldn’t make the indian lineup 😂😂

Azam won't suit at 5-6 position with his scoring rate.

Pandey has turned out to be a dud but if Rahul would have managed to play a few bilaterals series, he could have earned a permanent spot at 4.

As for Dhoni, he is a legend and can't be thrown out of the team unless he retires. So he will be the obvious one.
 
The concern for me is that Rahul has been pushed out of the ODI team in favour of Rahane. KL Rahul was India's number 3 opener behind Dhawan and Rohit but he was suddenly pushed away from that spot and now from the team as well. I feel the management has been very inconsistent with selections with few players getting longer rope than the others.

Rahul was expected to be given a longer rope at no.4 because as an opener Dhawan and Rohit are the obvious choices and there is no one good enough to bat at no.4 position except Pandey who was in a reckoning too.

It is okay to have Rahane as third opener in the team because that means he will be in XI only if one of the two get injured.

Unfortunately, Rahul struggled with his injuries and couldn't find a long rope for the no.4 position which has been left void now as Pandey turned out to be really dud.

I don't think he is fit hence may be excluded from team.
 
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Rahul was expected to be given a longer rope at no.4 because as an opener Dhawan and Rohit are the obvious choices and there is no one good enough to bat at no.4 position except Pandey who was in a reckoning too.

It is okay to have Rahane as third opener in the team because that means he will be in XI only if one of the two get injured.

Unfortunately, Rahul struggled with his injuries and couldn't find a long rope for the no.4 position which has been left void now as Pandey turned out to be really dud.

Both Pandey and Rahul were coming of long injuries and KL Rahul was playing at a new position in ODI's and he was discarded pretty soon. He is fit now and I cannot see why Kohli couldn't have given him a longer run in the batting order. Also Dhawan has pretty poor T20 record so playing him ahead of Rahul in the T20 series was also not a great move by the management.
 
Both Pandey and Rahul were coming of long injuries and KL Rahul was playing at a new position in ODI's and he was discarded pretty soon. He is fit now and I cannot see why Kohli couldn't have given him a longer run in the batting order. Also Dhawan has pretty poor T20 record so playing him ahead of Rahul in the T20 series was also not a great move by the management.

As already stated, Rahul was playing at a new position because when he came back after a long injury, we already had Dhawan back in the team after great performances in CT.

So Rahul had to bat at 4 and recently before the OdI series Vs Australia, he was injured again and hence Pandey got a longer rope.

Now given his injuries, I think they might be saving him for the away test series coming up but I think he will be brought back sooner in OdI team at that no.4 spot.
 
Karthik upbeat after chat with ‘fantastic’ Shastri

The No. 4 conundrum is one of the very few puzzles the Indian One-Day International side is yet to solve. They have tried as many as six players at the spot since the Champions Trophy 2017, with one of them being the interesting case of Dinesh Karthik.

Karthik was drafted into the squads for the Champions Trophy and tour of the Caribbean as a replacement for the injured Manish Pandey, and made scores of two and 50 not out in the two ODIs he played, both on the bilateral tour.

However, he got the axe for India’s tour of Sri Lanka, but KL Rahul’s struggles in the middle order and Karthik’s strong show in the Duleep Trophy 2017-18 have helped him make a comeback, first for the Twenty20 Internationals against Australia and now for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

This time, Karthik isn’t exactly a ‘replacement’, and wants to make it count at No. 4, which he calls his preferred batting position.

“Obviously, I had replaced Manish Pandey, so even though I did well, they thought Manish was fit and wanted to give him an opportunity. I was waiting for my opportunity and happy I got it,” he said on the sidelines of Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy 2017-18 match against Tripura in Chennai.

“I have done it at No. 4 at various levels and including the international level. I’m pretty confident that if given an opportunity, I will try and do the best I can. I think No. 4 is a great position for me to bat. I have been batting there for Tamil Nadu in white-ball cricket and it’s been going good. Touch wood.”

Although he isn’t new to it, Karthik said the frequent switches between international and domestic cricket has been difficult, and felt it was time to ‘settle’ in the international arena.

“I think international cricket is a few notches up,” he said. “It’s important you get settled there. Once you get an opportunity you try and be there as much as possible and do well. It’s hard to keep coming back and going in. It’s not that easy. If I get an opportunity it’s up to me to make the most of it.”

Karthik revealed he had clarity on his role with the Indian team, saying Ravi Shastri, the head coach, had had a chat with him on his future.

“Shastri is fantastic. He had a chat with me and exactly told me what I should be working on and how he sees me in the future,” said Karthik. “I’m very happy to have had that conversation with him. Sanjay Bangar, Bharat Arun and R Sridhar – they make a formidable support staff and I’m very happy to be part of the Indian team.

“I’m very proud to be part of the team, which is probably going to leave a legacy in the next few years as one of the greatest teams India has ever seen. I’m very honoured and privileged that I can even be a part of this team. It’s led by a fantastic leader and has some seriously good senior players. The great thing is even the bowlers are able to bat, which gives us depth in batting. I’m just honoured and proud to be a part of this team.”

http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/karthik-upbeat-after-chat-with-fantastic-shastri/273803
 
The No. 4 conundrum is one of the very few puzzles the Indian One-Day International side is yet to solve. They have tried as many as six players at the spot since the Champions Trophy 2017, with one of them being the interesting case of Dinesh Karthik.

Karthik was drafted into the squads for the Champions Trophy and tour of the Caribbean as a replacement for the injured Manish Pandey, and made scores of two and 50 not out in the two ODIs he played, both on the bilateral tour.

However, he got the axe for India’s tour of Sri Lanka, but KL Rahul’s struggles in the middle order and Karthik’s strong show in the Duleep Trophy 2017-18 have helped him make a comeback, first for the Twenty20 Internationals against Australia and now for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

This time, Karthik isn’t exactly a ‘replacement’, and wants to make it count at No. 4, which he calls his preferred batting position.

“Obviously, I had replaced Manish Pandey, so even though I did well, they thought Manish was fit and wanted to give him an opportunity. I was waiting for my opportunity and happy I got it,” he said on the sidelines of Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy 2017-18 match against Tripura in Chennai.

“I have done it at No. 4 at various levels and including the international level. I’m pretty confident that if given an opportunity, I will try and do the best I can. I think No. 4 is a great position for me to bat. I have been batting there for Tamil Nadu in white-ball cricket and it’s been going good. Touch wood.”

Although he isn’t new to it, Karthik said the frequent switches between international and domestic cricket has been difficult, and felt it was time to ‘settle’ in the international arena.

“I think international cricket is a few notches up,” he said. “It’s important you get settled there. Once you get an opportunity you try and be there as much as possible and do well. It’s hard to keep coming back and going in. It’s not that easy. If I get an opportunity it’s up to me to make the most of it.”

Karthik revealed he had clarity on his role with the Indian team, saying Ravi Shastri, the head coach, had had a chat with him on his future.

“Shastri is fantastic. He had a chat with me and exactly told me what I should be working on and how he sees me in the future,” said Karthik. “I’m very happy to have had that conversation with him. Sanjay Bangar, Bharat Arun and R Sridhar – they make a formidable support staff and I’m very happy to be part of the Indian team.

“I’m very proud to be part of the team, which is probably going to leave a legacy in the next few years as one of the greatest teams India has ever seen. I’m very honoured and privileged that I can even be a part of this team. It’s led by a fantastic leader and has some seriously good senior players. The great thing is even the bowlers are able to bat, which gives us depth in batting. I’m just honoured and proud to be a part of this team.”

http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/karthik-upbeat-after-chat-with-fantastic-shastri/273803

Hard to understand Karthik's comeback really taking WC 2019 in consideration.
 
Hard to understand Karthik's comeback really taking WC 2019 in consideration.

Thats exactly my point too. Whats the point in getting these players in the team now when you are building towards the world cup.
 
Pant is an IPL bully, and even then his record isn’t too impressive. Runs in Ranji trophy where even sir jadeja has triple centuries don’t count. Seems like india are lacking batsmen :) Pandey is a dud. Don’t even need to mention Dhoni and Kedar uncle.

And babar azam wouldn’t make the indian lineup 😂😂

Dhoni at 35 runs and hits harder than your 23 year old Babar.And Kedar has a strike rate in excess of 100 and has successfully chased a 350 plus score whereas your Babar bhaijan sweats to chase even 250.Plus he is a pathetic fielder( dropped one today and struggled like a school kid to catch one).
 
I am surprised no one here put Kedar Jadhav in the team. He would be 2nd sure in the final 11 after Kohli.

He is the only batsman in the history of the Indian domestics to average 50 with a strike rate of 105+ after 8 years of domestics. That's 8 straight years of consistent agressive batting with a 50 average. Only domestic player in history of Indian Cricket to have strike rate of 100 plus in top order was Sehwag. But Sehwag was nowhere close to 50 average.

Kedar Jadhav who are doubting his international batting need to know that he averages 46 in internationals Indian team with a strike rate of 110. That's higher than Rohit, Rahane, Pandey, Pandya, Raina, Karhik, Rahul etc etc.

What else does the guy needs to prove.

Kedar Jadhav if given half the chances of Rohit and Rahane will be the Man of the Series in 2019 World Cup. Mark my words!!!
 
I am surprised no one here put Kedar Jadhav in the team. He would be 2nd sure in the final 11 after Kohli.

He is the only batsman in the history of the Indian domestics to average 50 with a strike rate of 105+ after 8 years of domestics. That's 8 straight years of consistent agressive batting with a 50 average. Only domestic player in history of Indian Cricket to have strike rate of 100 plus in top order was Sehwag. But Sehwag was nowhere close to 50 average.

Kedar Jadhav who are doubting his international batting need to know that he averages 46 in internationals Indian team with a strike rate of 110. That's higher than Rohit, Rahane, Pandey, Pandya, Raina, Karhik, Rahul etc etc.

What else does the guy needs to prove.

Kedar Jadhav if given half the chances of Rohit and Rahane will be the Man of the Series in 2019 World Cup. Mark my words!!!

I think Kedar's position isn't in question here. He along with Pandya is the only hitter currently in the lower order. I am only worried about the team not trying out new options in batting and at Dhoni's spot. What is the use of bringing back Karthik? I would rather have Pant failing in 4-5 games than bringing back players who have had their day under the sun. If India is trying someone at number 4, it should be a young player like Iyer.
 
I think Kedar's position isn't in question here. He along with Pandya is the only hitter currently in the lower order. I am only worried about the team not trying out new options in batting and at Dhoni's spot. What is the use of bringing back Karthik? I would rather have Pant failing in 4-5 games than bringing back players who have had their day under the sun. If India is trying someone at number 4, it should be a young player like Iyer.

When Pant is already failing against A team lallus, how can you get him into the senior team.And his primary job is keeping and would need few more seasons in domestics to see how consistent he is in that deparment.

Both Pandey and Kedar are in the team die to their consistent performances in domestics and A team tours.They havent done poorly till now and would get enough chances as Rohit and Jadeja got in their intial days.
Kartik is only 32 and have been in brilliant form and also the best option available in India after Dhoni for a wkt keeper batsman.He is still athletic and runs hard and hence I dont see his age being a problem.
 
Until hacks like dhoni, jhadav and pandey are in our squad we will not win a major tournament ever.

They r a disgrace to indian batting and the famous hack is over the hill since ages who shameless plays t 20 when he has no role or reason to play.

The other two hacks i m glad india didn't invest in them early. They r not going to survive long with that hacking.

I have no hope in hell that india will make it to semifinal with the present line up.

If the top 3 fails we have zero chances to win a game
 
Until hacks like dhoni, jhadav and pandey are in our squad we will not win a major tournament ever.

They r a disgrace to indian batting and the famous hack is over the hill since ages who shameless plays t 20 when he has no role or reason to play.

The other two hacks i m glad india didn't invest in them early. They r not going to survive long with that hacking.

I have no hope in hell that india will make it to semifinal with the present line up.

If the top 3 fails we have zero chances to win a game

Jadhav a Hack?? Who are you. 2nd incarnation of Don Bradman?

Kedar averaged 50 in domestics and stroked at 105 plus. That's one heck of a consistent performance for 8 consecutive years. In international cricket, he averages 46 plus with a strike rate of 110 plus

Kedar Jadhav has higher average and strike rate in both domestics and international cricket than your "techinally corect" Hahane, Rohit, Shikhar, Pandey, Karthik etc etc

Your favorite Rohit averaged 33with a strike rate of 76 when he played his 100th match. Everyone's favorite Rahane averaged 32 till with a strike rate of 74 till he played that West Indian tour. Jadeja who played as an allrounder scored only ONE match winning fifty after playing close to 130 ODI. And coming at #7, his strike rate was pathetic in
Low 80s

If Kedar Kadhav with an average of 50 plus after playing 8 years of domestics is a hack, the god forbid mine and your favorite Sachin was a hack too.

Btw holding a straight bat with a high elbow like Hahane doesn't make you a batsman. Scoring runs for the team (not selfishly prodding in 70s)is what make you a batsman
 
Jadhav a Hack?? Who are you. 2nd incarnation of Don Bradman?

Kedar averaged 50 in domestics and stroked at 105 plus. That's one heck of a consistent performance for 8 consecutive years. In international cricket, he averages 46 plus with a strike rate of 110 plus

Kedar Jadhav has higher average and strike rate in both domestics and international cricket than your "techinally corect" Hahane, Rohit, Shikhar, Pandey, Karthik etc etc

Your favorite Rohit averaged 33with a strike rate of 76 when he played his 100th match. Everyone's favorite Rahane averaged 32 till with a strike rate of 74 till he played that West Indian tour. Jadeja who played as an allrounder scored only ONE match winning fifty after playing close to 130 ODI. And coming at #7, his strike rate was pathetic in
Low 80s

If Kedar Kadhav with an average of 50 plus after playing 8 years of domestics is a hack, the god forbid mine and your favorite Sachin was a hack too.

Btw holding a straight bat with a high elbow like Hahane doesn't make you a batsman. Scoring runs for the team (not selfishly prodding in 70s)is what make you a batsman
He is a hack in every way u see him bat. He slogs like a tailender from the first ball, no way near fit, atrocious fielding. He has done zilch outside of india.

If u compare a hack to sachin then well and good for u.


Even if dhoni averages 100 he bats like a hack and is one.
 
Thought of simple plan for team.

1. Rohit (VC)/ opener
2. Dhawan ( opener)
3. Kohli ( batting)
4. Pandey ( batting)
5. Dhoni (batting/ wktkeeper)
6. Hardik Pandya ( seaming allrounder)
7. Kedar Jadhav ( spin allrounder)
8. Krunal Pandya ( spin allrounder)
9. Kuldeep Yadav ( bowler)
10.Yuzvendra ( bowler)
11. Bhuvi ( seamer)

Reserves : Risabh Panth , Shreyas Iyer , Shami , Bumrah

Simple strategy
Based on lessons learned in CT2017 on how the pitch behaves in England in June/July the following team should be groomed for WC2019.
Panth Risabh as hard hitter opener reserve incase Dhawan/Rohit injured or out of form. Also backup wicket keeper.A player like Rishabh Pant who has had a breakthrough domestic season and

a handy IPL warrants a place in the team as a dangerous low order batsman or surprise opener just like Sehwag was thrust as opener in the past .Hardik Pandya obviously as seamer

hardhitting allrounder.Krunal Pandya really impressed in this year's IPL with his subtle bowling variations and great temperament both with a bat and ball in his hand. Kedar jadhav has proven

he is equally good with bat and ball as well.

Bowling strategy : Between the two Pandyas and jadhav and maybe Rohit with a couple of surprise overs ,we can expect them to bowl 20 overs of seam and spin. Te reason I say Rohit only 2

overs is we want batters to go after him and there lies an opportunity to pick a surprise wicket. Kuldeep, Bhuvi and Yuzvendra can bowl the other 30 overs. Of course if its a seaming track ,

get in Shami and/or Bumrah instead of Yuzvendra and Krunal.
Batting strategy: Kohli as main anchor for openers and Manish pandey. Opener and Manish should target strike rate of 120.
Then Dhoni as anchor for the three hitters in Pandyas + kedhar ( these three should target strike rate of 140) . Kedhar can move up the order if any batter gets injured .
In case a situation arrives where Dhoni and kohli are at crease together, they can choose who becomes agressor keeping opposition guessing who is gonna take chances.
I am confident that 8 times out of 10, this batting strategy will get score of 320+ which these bowlers can defend most of the times.
 
It's clear that not even the team think tank is sure of India's best eleven at this point. Bowling looks oddly settled except the mystery surrounding future of Ashwin and Jadeja. But it seems to me the team management is set to persist with Kuldeep and Chahal for the time being.

The next area of uncertainty is spin all rounder. With Jadeja gone, Hardik's big brother Krunal has a genuine chance provided he does enough this domestic season and follows it up with a good IPL.

It's the batting line up where the competition is at its fiercest best. Aside from the openers and Virat's position, all other positions are up for grabs. Personally, I have no doubt that the best Team India XI has to feature KL Rahul. If this means one of Manish Pandey and Kedar to be chopped then so be it.

If I had my way, I'd like this team to take on the Saffers in the ODI leg of their tour.

Rohit, Dhawan, Virat, Rahul, Dhoni, Krunal, Hardik, Bhuvi, Kuldeep, Shami, Bumrah
 
Issue is not our bowling. Our bowling is actually pretty strong. Stronger than our batting.

Its the middle and lower middle that is the problem.

Jadhav/MSD/Pandey are duds. They are not going to bail you out when the top order gets out cheaply.

We need a reliable bat in place of Jadhav. Pant and Krunal are a must. I would even try out Iyer in place of Pandey.
Last opportunity for Manish Pandey & Jadhav to show their utility in team during NZ & SA series else we should induct KL Rahul on regular basis & too many right hand batsmen in team so we need a leftie so
Krunal Pandya is a must for 2019 WC good temperament, handy bowler gun fielder
 
Until hacks like dhoni, jhadav and pandey are in our squad we will not win a major tournament ever.

They r a disgrace to indian batting and the famous hack is over the hill since ages who shameless plays t 20 when he has no role or reason to play.

The other two hacks i m glad india didn't invest in them early. They r not going to survive long with that hacking.

I have no hope in hell that india will make it to semifinal with the present line up.

If the top 3 fails we have zero chances to win a game
Dhoni will play 2019 unless he injured & we need him not only as wicket keeper but also who can guide virat kohli in my opinion after 2019 WC captaincy should be given to Hardik pandya; Virat should concentrate on batting he is not at all a good captain
 
Prithvi Shaw scored 66(80) against NZ in the tour match against the likes of Boult, Southee, Santner and Milne.

Pretty good effort the 17 yr old. If he keeps this up, he might wear Indian colors before 2019 WC.

Disappinted with Iyer. The guy has talent, but always gets out quickly. Pant has not played a good knock since BCCI announced that MSD will be the default keeper until 2019 WC.
 
Thought of simple plan for team.

1. Rohit (VC)/ opener
2. Dhawan ( opener)
3. Kohli ( batting)
4. Pandey ( batting)
5. Dhoni (batting/ wktkeeper)
6. Hardik Pandya ( seaming allrounder)
7. Kedar Jadhav ( spin allrounder)
8. Krunal Pandya ( spin allrounder)
9. Kuldeep Yadav ( bowler)
10.Yuzvendra ( bowler)
11. Bhuvi ( seamer)

Reserves : Risabh Panth , Shreyas Iyer , Shami , Bumrah

Simple strategy
Based on lessons learned in CT2017 on how the pitch behaves in England in June/July the following team should be groomed for WC2019.
Panth Risabh as hard hitter opener reserve incase Dhawan/Rohit injured or out of form. Also backup wicket keeper.A player like Rishabh Pant who has had a breakthrough domestic season and

a handy IPL warrants a place in the team as a dangerous low order batsman or surprise opener just like Sehwag was thrust as opener in the past .Hardik Pandya obviously as seamer

hardhitting allrounder.Krunal Pandya really impressed in this year's IPL with his subtle bowling variations and great temperament both with a bat and ball in his hand. Kedar jadhav has proven

he is equally good with bat and ball as well.

Bowling strategy : Between the two Pandyas and jadhav and maybe Rohit with a couple of surprise overs ,we can expect them to bowl 20 overs of seam and spin. Te reason I say Rohit only 2

overs is we want batters to go after him and there lies an opportunity to pick a surprise wicket. Kuldeep, Bhuvi and Yuzvendra can bowl the other 30 overs. Of course if its a seaming track ,

get in Shami and/or Bumrah instead of Yuzvendra and Krunal.
Batting strategy: Kohli as main anchor for openers and Manish pandey. Opener and Manish should target strike rate of 120.
Then Dhoni as anchor for the three hitters in Pandyas + kedhar ( these three should target strike rate of 140) . Kedhar can move up the order if any batter gets injured .
In case a situation arrives where Dhoni and kohli are at crease together, they can choose who becomes agressor keeping opposition guessing who is gonna take chances.
I am confident that 8 times out of 10, this batting strategy will get score of 320+ which these bowlers can defend most of the times.

This is seriously one heck of a team!! The best Indian team!! Can someone please pass on this post to the selection committee.
Not just your final 11, your reserve players are great too !!!
 
This is seriously one heck of a team!! The best Indian team!! Can someone please pass on this post to the selection committee.
Not just your final 11, your reserve players are great too !!!

2 changes.

Replace Pandey with KL Rahul (Not a choker like Pandey)
Replace Jadhav with Suresh Raina (Better hitter, better fielder and a decent spinner)

Modifying [MENTION=7032]rahulrulezz[/MENTION]'s team
1. Rohit (VC)/ opener
2. Dhawan ( opener)
3. Kohli ( batting)
4. KL Rahul( batting)
5. Dhoni (batting/ wktkeeper)
6. Hardik Pandya ( seaming allrounder)
7. Suresh Raina ( spin allrounder)
8. Krunal Pandya ( spin allrounder)
9. Kuldeep Yadav ( bowler)
10.Yuzvendra ( bowler)
11. Bhuvi ( seamer)

Depending on the pitch, I would play Bumrah in place of Chahal.

The above team has everything. Top Order power. Lower order hitters. So even if top order fails, we can expect India to score over 250 easily.
 
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I will actually replace Pandey with Rahul. That was a really good change recommended by you
With regards to Jadhav And Raina, I am a big fan of both of them. I rather have both of them in my team. However Raina has had his chances, so it's time Jadhav gets his due for playing consistent in domestics for 8 years.

TBH, I rather play Rahul as a wicket keeper, replace Dhoni and play both Jadhav and Raina. But we all know that's impossible with kind of brand image and cards Dhoni has
 
2 changes.

Replace Pandey with KL Rahul (Not a choker like Pandey)
Replace Jadhav with Suresh Raina (Better hitter, better fielder and a decent spinner)

Modifying [MENTION=7032]rahulrulezz[/MENTION]'s team
1. Rohit (VC)/ opener
2. Dhawan ( opener)
3. Kohli ( batting)
4. KL Rahul( batting)
5. Dhoni (batting/ wktkeeper)
6. Hardik Pandya ( seaming allrounder)
7. Suresh Raina ( spin allrounder)
8. Krunal Pandya ( spin allrounder)
9. Kuldeep Yadav ( bowler)
10.Yuzvendra ( bowler)
11. Bhuvi ( seamer)

Depending on the pitch, I would play Bumrah in place of Chahal.

The above team has everything. Top Order power. Lower order hitters. So even if top order fails, we can expect India to score over 250 easily.

Raina is nowhere near his former self. He is struggling with fitness and form. Unless he gets back into shape and find his form, Id not even have him for India A team. Pandey deserves to be given longer run. Plus playing with just one genuine seamer is suicidal. Id swap Raina with Pandey at # 5 and Move Dhoni and co down. Bring in J Bumrah for Krunal. Krunal and Hardik would swap places depending on pitch, if Pitch is slow and aids spinner, id bring in Krunal or else stick with Hardik.
 
Rahul was given the opening spot well before the CT when Dhawan was out- of-form and India were struggling for an opening combination with Rohit.

Now that Dhawan was back to blasting in CT, he is the obvious opening pair to Rohit with Rahane being a back up opener.

In the meantime, Manish Pandey has been given a long run and he hasn't proved his worth yet. KL Rahul due to his injuries hasn't played much unfortunately but I look up at him as India's no.4.
KL can always come in at 3, he is better suited to the top 3 than Kohli. Even Kohli, when he started was shielded by Gambhir at 3 for a number of years, his Hobart innings came in at 4 IIRC. Kohli just can;t play the moving ball as well as I;ve seen KL do, it;d be wise for him to go down a notch & make the middle order stronger.

The Pandyas, Jadhavs & Pants can come in behind him. He need to do the role of MSD at his peak, now.
 
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