5 most bankable players from the India - New Zealand ODI series so far

After a fairly one-sided Test series that saw India defeat New Zealand 3-0, the ODI series has been much more evenly contested so far, with the hosts currently leading 2-1. The three matches have seen good cricketing action, with both batsmen and bowlers controlling parts of the game, making it a very enjoyable watch for the spectators.

Going into the fourth ODI at Ranchi, the home of Indian captain, MS Dhoni, we take a look at the five most bankable performers from the series thus far -

#1 Virat Kohli

Scores: 85*(81), 9(13), 154*(134)

Set a low total of 190 to chase, India could have been in trouble on a pitch that offered help to the bowlers. A fine innings from Kohli, however, put rest to any such thoughts and ensured India would set the tone for the series with a dominant six-wicket win.

For his innings of 85* in the first ODI, Virat was awarded the ‘Jana Bankable Player’ award.

He had a rare off day in the second ODI at Delhi, much to the disappointment of his home crowd. But, you can never keep him quiet for long, can you?

In the 3rd ODI at Mohali, India, faced with a target of 287 to regain the lead in the series, lost both their openers early in the innings. Again, a Kohli masterclass doused any hopes the Kiwis would have had of taking the lead over India for the first time on the tour.

His 26th ODI century took him to fourth on the list of ODI batsmen with most centuries, which is led by Sachin Tendulkar (49), while his 16th century in chases saw him equalling the latter’s record of 14 centuries in successful chases.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah was the Jana Bankable Player for the second ODI

Bowling Figures: 0/29, 3/35, 2/52

Since his debut, Jasprit Bumrah has been MS Dhoni’s biggest weapon in the death overs of matches. His pinpoint yorkers and deceptive slower ones, combined with the awkward angles created by his unorthodox bowling action, gives batsmen a tough time while trying to force the pace at the death.

It is quite a rare sight to see Bumrah end up picking no wickets in a match, as in the opening game. His wicketless spell in Dharamsala was nevertheless a disciplined bowling effort that kept things tight.

His spell of 3/35 in 10 overs in the second ODI at the Feroz Shah Kotla however, earned him the ‘Jana Bankable Player’ award of the match and was instrumental in restricting New Zealand to a total to 242.

Bumrah’s variety in the death overs was on full display as Tim Southee and Matt Henry saw their stumps uprooted by sharp yorkers while Anton Devcich was done in by a slower delivery.

At Mohali, Bumrah again chipped in with wickets and kept one end quiet when Jimmy Neesham and Matt Henry went after the others.

#3 MS Dhoni

Dhoni was the Jana Bankable Player for the third ODI

Scores: 21(24),39(65), 80(91)

MS Dhoni started the series on a good note with a fluent 21 at Dharamsala before his innings was cut short by an unfortunate mix-up with Kohli.

In the second ODI at the Feroz Shah Kotla, India’s batting fell apart early in their chase of 242, putting the onus on Dhoni to marshal the rest of the batting. A 66-run partnership between Kedhar Jadhav and MS Dhoni calmed the nerves until Jadhav’s quickfire 41 ended in a soft dismissal. With the required rate well under control, Dhoni looked to take control of the game but was denied by a blinder of a catch by Tim Southee.

His failure to see India through in the previous match had raised questions, but, as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. India had a tough chase on their hands and needed somebody to give good support to Kohli.

Promoting himself to No.4, he was adjudged the ‘Jana Bankable Player’ for his knock of 80. Behind the stumps, he earlier effected two game-changing stumpings with his lightning quick hands.

#4 Tom Latham

Tom Latham has been New Zealand’s best player this series

Scores: 79*(98),46(46),61(72)

The left-handed opening batsman has been the Kiwis’ most consistent performer throughout this entire tour. He carried his bat in the first ODI, becoming only the 10th in cricketing history and the first from his country to do so.

Latham's unbeaten knock of 79 at Dharamsala saved the Kiwis from the danger of being bowled out for less than 100 and along with Tim Southee, he gave the bowlers a score that they could defend.

The southpaw's innings of 46 and his 120-run second-wicket partnership with captain Kane Williamson was crucial in avoiding yet another collapse in the second match.

Put to bat first again in the third ODI, Latham and Guptill got the Kiwis off to a good start and the former would go on to score 61, laying the foundation for a good total.

#5 Amit Mishra

Mishra has been brilliant in all 3 ODIs so far

Bowling figures: 3/49, 3/60, 2/49

The senior bowler of the Indian team, Amit Mishra ran through the Kiwi lower order in the first ODI, picking up 3 wickets.

In the next match, he brought India back into the match with the crucial wickets of the centurion Kane Williamson, the out of form Ross Taylor and the dangerous Corey Anderson, at a time when the Kiwis looked like they would go on to post a very good score.

It was particularly delightful to watch how he plotted the dismissal of Ross Taylor, bowling the one spinning away outside off and continually tempting him to play his favourite slog sweep until Taylor eventually played it into the hands of the deep midwicket fielder placed by Dhoni for that very shot.

However, Mishra's best was yet to come. He delivered the ball of the series in the third ODI, again to Ross Taylor. A typical leg-spinner’s dismissal, the ball was slow and tossed up to tempt the Kiwi into lunging forward and playing across, eventually getting him stumped by Dhoni!