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Tricky Kiwi test awaits India

Cricket Fifth ODI : Weather poses a threat as Dhoni's men look to raise their game in decider
Last Updated 28 October 2016, 19:44 IST

 Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership as well as his finishing skills will be put through a stern test when an inconsistent India take on a rejuvenated New Zealand in the series-deciding fifth and final ODI here on Saturday.

With the series locked at 2-2, Dhoni and his men will be eager to clinch the issue while history beckons Kane Williamson’s men as they have a glorious opportunity to taste their maiden success in a bilateral ODI rubber between the two nations. But the weather could play spoilsport, with the threat of a cyclone looming.

Dhoni’s captaincy may not be under immediate threat but a series loss against New Zealand will certainly raise questions about Captain Cool’s ability to marshall his resources after his much publicised admission of being unable to rotate strike lower down the order.

New Zealand’s ODI campaign started off on a sour note in Dharamasala but some strong batting performances by skipper Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill in Delhi and Ranchi respectively have managed to catch India off guard, helping them level the series 2-2.

Like New Zealand, India too would be hungry for success at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, a venue where they boast of a 4-1 record. The world No 4 India have just three more ODIs, against England, ahead of the Champions Trophy in June next year and it would be an opportunity for them to get some confidence under their belt.

The over-reliance on Virat Kohli has been evident during the series as the Indian Test captain was the prime performer in both the Indian wins so far, with an 85 not out in Dharamsala and a majestic unbeaten 154 in Mohali. With their opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane yet to provide a solid start, India’s batting is centred around Kohli.

Chasing a modest 261 in the fourth ODI in Ranchi, Rahane returned to form with a half-century while Kohli looked in full flow on a slow wicket but both failed to convert their starts, and it was a familiar story from the middle-order.

Despite his frequent failures, Rohit continues to enjoy Dhoni’s backing, with the skipper reluctant to try out Mandeep Singh.

Rohit’s last big knock came in Australia, and it’s been more than nine months since he scored a century in either the longer or the shorter format. His scores in the ongoing series read 14, 15, 13 and 11, something that is hurting India’s cause. At his mother’s home town, Rohit will be keen to make a solid contribution.

As for bowling, India have done reasonably well. The spin trio of Amit Mishra, Axar Patel and part-timer Kedar Jadhav have ensured that the team is not missing the regulars, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. On the pace front, India would hope that Jasprit Bumrah, who was indisposed and was replaced by a lacklustre Dhawal Kulkarni, returns to full fitness.

Return to form

Opener Martin Guptill’s return to form in Ranchi to go with the consistency of Tom Latham, who has five half-centuries from seven matches, will give New Zealand advantage up front. Skipper Williamson at No 3 too has been consistent but it’s their middle order that has often frittered away good starts.

Left-arm spinner Anton Devcich, who was included as a third spinner in Ranchi looked ordinary and Williamson may not mind bringing back either Corey Anderson or Matt Henry.

With conditions overcast, last thing India would want is a wash-out. Cyclone Kyant has weakened and has gone further south but there’s forecast for localised downpours.

It remains to be seen whether India give themselves a Diwali gift or New Zealand return home with their heads held high.

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(Published 28 October 2016, 19:44 IST)

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