Nagpur: India’s testing ground

Nagpur, Minutes before the fourth ODI in Bengaluru, as the Indian players practised their fielding drills, one could sense a sense of casualness. Half an hour into the Australian batting, the negligence was evident as the players fumbled on the outfield while the bowlers missed their lengths.
During today’s practice session here, the intent that was missing in Bengaluru was back. Despite temperatures climbing in the high 30s° C, all the players went through a rigorous workout.
Stiff competition
The stiff competition in the team means that training sessions virtually become shootouts between players. Ajinkya Rahane is aware that despite making the most of his opportunities, he needs to add that extra dimension to his batting, so the Mumbai opener decided to venture out with fielding coach R Sridhar for some centre wicket practice. Rahane has looked in immaculate form so far, but is yet to score a big 100. On Saturday, he practised the lofted shot against spin bowling and seemed to focus on clearing the ropes. It is full credit to Rahane that he has realised the weakness in his game and is trying to overturn it with meticulous drills.
Rahane is aware of the fact that despite his excellent form at the top of the order, the return of Shikhar Dhawan would lead to him batting at No. 4, and to be able to succeed down the order, he needs to evolve his power game.
Spotlight on No. 4
India have had plenty of positives in the series and defeating a formidable team like Australia is a great achievement, but in terms of team composition, they are yet to find a permanent No. 4. The fifth ODI presents India with yet another opportunity to test players in different scenarios. One aspect that will be different to Bengaluru is the pitch. On the eve of the match it looked extremely bare. Given that the pitch was relaid in March, chances are that it will not be a high-scoring match. The abrasiveness of the wicket would aid reverse swing bowling, which means India are likely to stick with local lad Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami. The long boundaries will add to the bowlers’ comfort, and there is a fair chance that India would play Kuldeep Yadav instead of Yuzvendra Chahal and continue to persist with Axar Patel.
The game might be insignificant in terms of the outcome of the series, but if India win tomorrow and take the series 4-1, it would cement their No. 1 rank in 50-over cricket.