India won the ODI Series 2–1 in Visakhapatnam but not without mixed emotions. Supporters were pleased with the team’s revival, but concerns remained over Gautam Gambhir choices and the changes in overall tactics. The star players rose to the occasion, but the result was still being clouded by the existence of some unnecessary experiments.
Tactical Errors Raise Eyebrows
One wonders whether the tactical decisions were correct KL Rahul was a very good leader in Shubman Gill’s absence but he was constantly moved in the batting order. Washington Sundar was given the role of a middle-order batsman over him in Ranchi, which was quite illogical. Rahul went back to No. 5 in Raipur, thus revealing the Indian side’s confused plan.
The biggest question was why Gautam Gambhir was so adamant about Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy not even when it were obvious that they were the best options. Washington was allowed to bowl only seven overs in total of two matches. Jadeja bowled more than twice as many. Dew was the reason for the reduction of spin, so why couldn’t Pant or Nitish have helped the middle order with their batting? Both of them could have been kept warm but at the same time, giving better balance to the side.
What India Learnt From This Series
After a sixth-bowler obsession, Gambhir failed to provide fresh bowlers the opportunity to change the game. The leading bowlers will carry their hardest balls through them as the 2027 World Cup cycle comes nearer. Jaiswal, Harshit Rana, and Gaikwad looked good. Prasidh did not keep his consistency. India won the games, but failed to provide opportunities for Pant, Tilak, or Nitish. The team has gotten the points but not the answers.
Author’s Opinion
Bold decisions are what India needs not be afraid of making and at the same time must not lose the clarity of vision. Eventually, the right moves made today will be the base for a more powerful 2027 campaign.
