5 reasons for India's success in ODIs

In the last year or so, India has had an unprecedented success in ODI cricket. It was a common belief that while India is a potent side playing at home, it struggles in overseas conditions. But this belief has changed in the last few years.

In the Champions Trophy held in England last year, India had a near-perfect performance, when they reached the final of the tournament, and now in South Africa they are enjoying an unbeaten run against a strong South African outfit in the ODI series. A lot of factors have contributed in this winning streak; however we will look at 5 factors that have contributed the most.

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#5 Opening partnership

Rohit and Dhawan have been consistent for Team India

In ODI cricket it is very important for a team to have a consistent opening pair, which can provide a strong foundation for a big score. India has been fortunate enough to have a strong opening combination in Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Rohit has been consistent in limited overs cricket and has become indispensable for Team India. Even though Rohit is going through a lean patch at the moment, there is no doubt that he will get back to top form sooner than later.

There have always been questions raised over Dhawan's effectiveness in overseas conditions as he has struggled to perform the way he has in home conditions. But in the ongoing ODI series against the Proteas, Dhawan has looked fluent playing against the likes of Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada. Dhawan's form in overseas conditions is a positive sign for India ahead of the 2019 World Cup, which is going to be held in English conditions.

#4 Strong fast bowling attack

Bhuvi and Bumrah have complimented each other really well

India has always been known as a spin-heavy team and that has been the main reason for India's struggles in overseas conditions. But this has changed in the last few years due to the emergence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. Bhuvneshwar was always a consistent swing bowler but he has become dominant after working on his pace. Fondly called Bhuvi by teammates, the bowler has been able to bowl consistently above 135 kph and looks more lethal than before. He has also improved a lot when bowling in the death overs with his accurate yorkers.

Since his debut in 2016, Bumrah has been a go-to bowler for India. Bumrah has an unusual action which makes it difficult for the opposition batsmen to come up with a fixed strategy. Like Bhuvi, Bumrah also bowls extremely well in the death overs, making it arduous for the opposition team to get easy runs in the slog overs. Indian pacers have been guilty of giving away free runs in the death overs, but with Bhuvi and Bumrah in the side, that problem seems to have been fixed.

#3 Spin twins - Chahal and Kuldeep

Partners in crime - Chahal and Kuldeep

The Indian team has always been blessed to have some of the finest spin bowlers in the world. Sourav Ganguly had Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, MS Dhoni had Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, and now Virat Kohli has Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.

Chahal and Kuldeep came into the limelight on the virtue of some strong performances in the IPL. But with Jadeja and Ashwin still there, it was difficult for them to find a permanent place in the playing XI. In Champions Trophy 2017, both Ashwin and Jadeja struggled to perform well and it was seen as a major reason for the team losing out in the Final. This forced the selectors to give other spinners a chance and Chahal and Kuldeep grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

The attacking wrist spinners have provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs and have strangled the opposition batsmen. Both have had a terrific start to their international careers and hopefully they will continue trapping batsmen in their spin web.

#2 Powerful bench strength

Selectors have given chances to the youngsters to show their mettle

India is having a problem of plenty when it comes to selecting the playing XI. There is tough competition for every spot in the side, and this healthy competition is eventually benefiting the team. While KL Rahul is pushing hard for the opener's position, players like Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer and Dinesh Karthik have made a strong case for themselves as middle order batsmen.

Kuldeep and Chahal have been doing exceedingly well for the team but the likes of Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar Patel are keeping them on their toes. The fast bowling reserves are the strongest at the moment. Experienced players like Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav have to sit on the bench, as young pacers like Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur and Siddharth Kaul are putting their names in contention.

India currently has a large pool of players to choose from and even if some regulars are injured or out of form, there are players who are ready to replace them. This has been a major factor in the team's success in the recent past.

#1 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been instrumental in India rise to the top

Virat Kohli has continued his golden run in ODI cricket as he hit his 34th century in the second ODI against South Africa. Kohli has made runs against all oppositions in every part of the world. His spectacular run has been hugely responsible for India's strong show in ODIs. He has batted with intent and records have tumbled every time he has come out to bat. To have a strong number three in ODI cricket is nothing less than a boon and Kohli has made that position his own.

Apart from playing some mind-boggling innings, Kohli has also led the side exceptionally well. In the 46 matches that he has captained the side so far, India has won 36, which makes the winning percentage a whopping 80%. His never give up attitude has reflected in the team as well, and the players have been able to give their best under his leadership. There is no doubt that Kohli has a major bearing in Team India's tremendous show in ODI cricket.