India couldn’t rise to Australia’s challenge in the 3-match ODI series: Player ratings for the hosts
It was not the result Team India wanted as they lost the three-match ODI series at home against Australia. The final ODI took place at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai where Australia batted first and scored 269 runs. On the other hand, India could only score 248 and lost the battle by 21 runs.
Adam Zampa bagged the player of the match award for his splendid 4-fer whereas multiple contributions from batsmen helped the Kangaroos reach this total. For India, only Virat Kohli scored a half-century whereas the rest of the batsmen failed to deliver.
Let us take a glance at the performances of Indian players in the ODI series:
Batters
Rohit Sharma (4/10): Rohit Sharma missed the first ODI due to personal reasons but came back for the next two games. However, the Indian skipper failed to make any impact with the bat and scored just 43 runs in the series. He was looking in good touch in the final ODI but gave an easy catch to Mitchell Starc at deep mid-wicket.
Rohit’s captaincy was ordinary too in this series and it is a huge loss for the side to be beaten at home. Now, the Mumbaikar has to take some tough calls to take his team back on track.
Ishan Kishan (1/10): Ishan Kishan played just one game in the series and that too in the absence of Rohit Sharma. He got out early and was immediately replaced by the skipper in the next ODI.
However, one cannot judge any player’s capability by just one game. The left-hander has proved his mettle on multiple occasions and would be in the limited-overs setup for sure.
Shubman Gill (3.5/10): Rising star of India, Shubman Gill couldn’t score even a single half-century in the series. With only 57 runs in three matches, Gill had a forgettable series to his name and the Gujarat Titans batter would like to be at his best form ahead of the World Cup.
Virat Kohli (5/10): With just one half-century in the entire series, Virat Kohli would want to forget this outing because of his below-average performance. He scored just 89 runs with an average of less than 30 in the series.
Virat Kohli playing a pull shot in one of the matches against Australia
King Kohli is known as the King of white ball cricket and fans expect him to fire at least during the home games more often. Kohli has to take charge of the batting unit if the team has to do well in the biggest cricket tournament later this year.
Suryakumar Yadav (0/10): Even a good player goes through a bad phase but how about a class player getting out on a golden duck in three consecutive matches. Well, Suryakumar Yadav had a terrible series against the Kangaroos where he got out on the very first ball on all three occasions.
The management decided to back the out-of-form batsman throughout the series and the batsman couldn’t make any of the chances count. Undoubtedly, Suryakumar is a magician with the bat but he needs to pick up his batting in the ODIs if he wants to be a part of the squad in the upcoming 50-over World Cup.
KL Rahul (6.5/10): KL Rahul gave a terrific reply to his critics by playing a winning knock of 75 off 91 deliveries in the first ODI. After a major collapse up the order, Rahul took the whole responsibility and finished the game alongside Ravindra Jadeja.
Overall, he culminated the series with the highest run-scorer for India by smashing 116 runs in three games. Though he couldn’t deliver much in the last two innings, Rahul’s focus in the series was clearly visible. He will surely be in contention for the ODI World Cup later this year, especially if Rishabh Pant is not able to return to the limited-overs setup.
All Rounders
Hardik Pandya (6/10): Now known as the future captain of India, Hardik Pandya had an average series against Australia with just 66 runs in three matches with the bat. He proved to be a better bowler in the series with 4 wickets in the series.
Pandya is known to score quick runs down the order for his side and fans love to witness his maximums across the ground. The all-rounder from Baroda has everything right in front, however, it’s only a matter of a couple of good innings.
Ravindra Jadeja (6/10): Ravindra Jadeja failed to impress with his bowling as the left-arm spinner could only pick up 2 wickets in the entire series. However, his contribution with the bat was something to cheer for. He helped India win the first ODI with his willow as he and KL Rahul steadily stole the match.
Jadeja is a much better player than his stats right now. He is one of the prominent all-rounders in world cricket and would want to give his best in the upcoming matches.
Axar Patel (4/10): A lot is expected from a player like Axar Patel as he is in competition with the likes of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. On a few occasions, it could be possible that all three of them won’t be a part of the playing XI so it is crucial for him to grab his chances.
Axar scored just 31 runs in the two matches he played and also picked up 2 wickets. Axar would be having limited opportunities going forward and he has to be at his best to get his place in the squad.
Shardul Thakur (2/10): Shardul Thakur played only one game in the series and remained ineffective in the two overs he bowled. The right-hander did not get a chance to bat as Rahul and Jadeja finished the game earlier.
Bowlers
Kuldeep Yadav picked up three wickets in the final ODI of the series
Kuldeep Yadav (6/10): Kuldeep Yadav looks in a great zone right now after his stupendous spell in the third ODI. He picked up three wickets in his full quota of 10 overs and put the Aussies under pressure with his spin.
The left-arm chinaman bowler has always made his performances count and it won’t be surprising if he gets the nod ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal in the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup as well. Kuldeep will most probably be in the playing XI from the beginning going forward due to his remarkable tossed-up deliveries.
Mohammad Shami (4/10): Mohammad Shami picked up three wickets in the entire series and failed to put the top order under pressure. But, Shami will be a first-choice bowler for the side keeping in mind Jasprit Bumrah’s current situation. He has to be at his very best with his perfect seam position.
Mohammad Siraj (6/10): Mohammad Siraj is improving himself day by day in world cricket. In the recently concluded ODI series, Siraj picked up 5 wickets which was the most by any Indian player.
He picked up wickets at an average of around 20 which is good in Indian conditions. Siraj will be the top choice in the fast bowling unit after his consistent performances and has to fire with his speed in the first powerplay to get wickets in the beginning.