Team India's limited-overs tour to Zimbabwe recently finished its first leg with the end of the ODI series. The visitors were on top of their game in all 3 matches and completed a whitewash over the Zimbabweans by winning 3-0.
The hosts failed to reach the 200-run mark in either of the games and India chased down the low targets with consummate ease on all occasions. Although it was quite a team effort from the Indians, there were a few individual stars who shined bright for them.
Here are 5 players who staked a claim for a permanent spot in the current ODI team:
1. KL Rahul
The emergence of KL Rahul as an ODI batsman has been the greatest takeaway for India from their tour to Zimbabwe. The Karnataka batsman showed great form for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2016 IPL, which, in turn, earned him a spot in the Indian limited-overs team.
Rahul grabbed his opportunity with both hands and ended up being the highest run-scorer in the series with 196 runs in 3 innings. The right-hander also became the first batsman from his country to hit a century on ODI debut.
Of late, there has been a lot of talk about Shikhar Dhawan's struggles with the bat while opening the batting and KL Rahul could turn out to be the ideal foil for Rohit Sharma at Dhawan's expense.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
While Jasprit Bumrah is already a vital member of the Indian T20 team, he may have done well enough in the Zimbabwe series to warrant a permanent place in the ODI team as well. Bumrah came up with a sensational performance, grabbing 9 wickets in just 3 matches including two 4-wicket hauls.
He boasted of a miserly economy rate of under 3 and the opponent batsmen looked all at sea against the Mumbai Indians pacer. India's primary concerns in ODI cricket lie in the bowling department and Jasprit Bumrah could be the answer to some of their issues.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had a very decent debut ODI series after a sparkling season of IPL cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chahal managed to pick up 6 wickets in 3 matches and recorded best figures of 3 for 25 during the series.
The best part about the 25-year old's performance was the fact that he adapted well to alien conditions. Most of the Zimbabwean batsmen were finding it difficult to pick him and he ensured that he kept the pressure on them with some accurate leg-spin bowling.
With Ravichandran Ashwin not being at his best in limited-overs cricket, having someone like Chahal in the team can surely boost the Indian spin attack.
4. Barinder Sran
Barinder Sran, the left-arm pacer who recently won his maiden IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad, came up with a good showing in the recently concluded ODI series against Zimbabwe. Sran claimed 4 wickets in 3 matches and conceded his runs at a little more than 4 runs per over.
What stood out about his performance was the kind of swing he was able to generate with the new ball. He was particularly impressive in the first two matches of the series and showed the ability to swing the ball both ways.
The 23-year old could add variety to the Indian ODI attack with his left-arm medium pace bowling and add that extra edge to it.
5. Dhawal Kulkarni
Fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni has been in and out of the Indian team ever since he made his ODI debut against England in 2014. The 27-year old found his way back into the Indian team courtesy of a stellar performance for Gujarat Lions in this year's IPL and he has made his opportunity count to some extent.
In 3 matches, Kulkarni took 5 wickets and formed a fine opening bowling pair with Barinder Sran. He swung the ball quite a lot in slightly helpful conditions and got the Indians some early breakthroughs.
Considering the struggles of India's pace department in recent times, the Mumbai pacer could surely find a spot in the ODI team.
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