The ODI series in the West Indies is a perfect opportunity for Rohit Sharma’s men to put things in order ahead of the Asia Cup and the World Cup.

By dropping down the order, Rohit Sharma had tried to test the likes of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, better known as SKY, ahead of the big events. Sanju Samson’s exclusion was the major talking point in the ODI series opener. It remains to be seen if India can find room for him in their XI and give him an opportunity in the remaining two matches.

The second match is on Saturday in Bridgetown. West Indies have lost their last five bilateral ODI series at home and are now on the verge of losing their sixth.

With KL Rahul and Shre­yas Iyer’s availability still not certain, India have been relying heavily on Surya to replicate his T20 form. But the middle-order batter hasn’t done justice to his reputation.

He managed just 19 in Bri­dgetown and accumulating 452 runs in 24 ODIs at an aver­age of 23.78. Surya did light up the stage with one six off Jayden Seales, a st­raight scoop over fine leg, his signature shot. He tried the sweep against Gudakesh Mo­tie one too many times and was caught in front of the stumps.

With time running out, India need to quickly chalk out their middle order for the Asia Cup. The remaining two ODIs could provide a sneak peek into their plans.

There was, however, good news on the Kuldeep Yadav front and the way he laid the trap for the batters.

The left-arm wrist spinner believes that it is better to make every opportunity count than fret on chances that he lost over the years. He snapped 4/6 in just three overs to lead India to a five-wicket win on Thursday.

“Most of the times when I don’t get to play, it is because of the situation and combination. It is a normal thing now. I have been playing cricket for so many years... These things are normal,” he told reporters after the match.

“I don’t think much about taking wickets now. My focus is more on the process that what length I should be bowling,” he said.

Kuldeep has taken 19 wickets from nine ODIs this year.

“Since the past one-and-half years, when I have retur­ned from the injury, I have tried to bowl on those good lengths. I want to be more consistent with the length, and as far as wickets are concerned, on some days, you will get the wicket, while on others, you won’t.

“Situation is also very important. I try my variations only when the oppositionhas lost four or five wickets quickly.”

Kuldeep said competition in the Indian team only motivates him to do well.