Suryakumar Yadav’s exclusion from the team in the first ODI has almost prompted a national debate on prime-time television. Even Ishan Kishan’s ouster has stirred a hornet’s nest.
India’s resounding victory in Guwahati failed to close such discussions since the broader perspective is being considered. Can India do without two explosive players in the 50-over format?
But such has been the gridlock in the top and middle order that last year’s most successful T20 batter and the man who knocked off a double hundred in the previous ODI have gone out of favour.
Rohit Sharma said it was only “fair” to give Shubman Gill a chance after his consistent run in the format — 708 runs in 13 innings with a nearly 100 strike-rate.
Shreyas Iyer too got the nod since the team management considered giving “those guys enough chances” who have “done well before”.
In a World Cup year, every move will be scrutinised and dissected as Rahul Dravid’s men aspire to reach the next level. While there can be arguments over Gill and Iyer, can KL Rahul pass muster on the same logic?
Rahul has two half-centuries in his last 10 innings and scored 251 runs in nine innings last year at a strike-rate of 80.19. He failed to set the stage ablaze in the opening match of the series at No.5 and departed in the 41st over.
When his one innings could have helped India reach the 400-mark on Tuesday, Rahul failed. Perhaps a Surya at the same position would have proved to be more effective in the circumstances. He’s India’s only 360-degree player, and according to Virat Kohli, has “created a different template” for batting.
By leaving out Surya, India are missing out on flexibility in the batting order.
Rohit and Kohli will take time to settle down but Surya can go on the offensive from the outset. When chasing a 350-plus total, a Surya will be more useful than a Gill or a Rahul.
As England have showcased, the strategy has changed and T20 cricket is proliferating not just into the ODI format, but Test cricket as well. If we don’t keep pace with the changing times, we might have to repent later.
A total around 400 could well be the benchmark for the World Cup at home. On days the top-order doesn’t deliver, Surya’s presence will be vital in desperate situations.
With Rishabh Pant out for a long period, it would be prudent to groom Kishan. Besides being a like-for-like replacement for Pant, Kishan can bat at any position. The choice may not be all fair for Gill but there can be no weak links in their quest for success.
Rewarding players for their past performances can’t be the norm, since it will be about finding the suitable No.5 who can shift the momentum.
