India’s first ever bilateral one-day international (ODI) series victory in Australia on Friday was a memorable one especially given how closely fought the last two games were.
It might still get overshadowed by their preceding Test series triumph, probably because India had never won a Test series in Australia before whereas they had previously clinched two ODI competitions there – the World Championship of Cricket in 1985 and the Tri-Series in 2008.
That said, it was an important series to take with just four months to go before the Cricket World Cup gets under way in England and Wales.
So here are four takeaways for Virat Kohli’s team as they cross the Tasman Sea to play five ODIs and three Twenty20s against New Zealand.
Dhoni ends drought – for now
India’s middle-order has looked vulnerable for the past four years primarily because they have been unable to locate a permanent fixture for the No 4 slot. The other issue has been the waning influence of MS Dhoni.
The former captain’s one-day strike-rate was below 70 in 2018 – 67.77 to be precise before the start of the Australia ODIs – which is worse than that of any of the other occupants of the positions from four to seven.
That he is 37 has not helped his case, and he is in the side partly due to his experience but also because no player has compelled the selectors enough to take his place. Rishabh Pant is his natural successor, but is yet an unfinished article behind the stumps.
Dhoni, though, served a timely reminder to critics and selectors of his class with back-to-back match-winning knocks and three fifties on the trot. His strike-rate is still a worry; a poor 53.12 arguably cost India the first game.
Some were also left to wonder on social media why the master run-chaser tended to take matches to the last over when a few big shots could, in theory, settle the issue.
Regardless, it is safe to say that Dhoni will play at the World Cup unless something unexpected occurs between now and then. He should ideally be used as a floater, his batting position depending on the situation.
Chahal checks back in
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal needed just one match this year to take his best ODI figures of 6-42.
He had been left on the bench for the first two matches, with India playing left-arm orthodox spinner Ravindra Jadeja and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. But there is no doubt Chahal and Kuldeep are the two best slow bowlers India have in the limited-overs game.
And even as Jadeja adds tremendous value to the side for his batting and fielding capabilities, it makes more sense to pick your best bowlers especially if conditions allow for both of them to play.
Jadhav jack of two trades
Another reason for India to play Kuldeep and Chahal in the XI - rather than to pick one of them to operate alongside spin-bowling all-rounder Jadeja - is the presence of Kedar Jadhav in the squad.
Jadhav's 60 not out and 121-run stand with Dhoni in the final ODI proved why he is the ideal player to have in the middle-order, especially in the death overs. He is a genuine No 4 or No 5 batsman who plays with a cool head, runs hard and hits the ball long. At 33, he also has plenty of match experience.
What is also useful is the fact he bowls decent off-spin and helps break partnerships.
In other words, he can possibly replace Jadeja and / or Ambati Rayudu, depending on the situation.
Bhuvi and Shami shine bright
India’s fast bowling stocks have never looked this good. That India beat Australia in Australia without the services of the rested Jasprit Bumrah bodes well for the side.
Two men who has made strong comebacks to the ODI set-up are Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami. Both seamers made their ODI debut a week from each other in 2012/13. Injuries have been a part of their careers, but they have over the years maintained their relevance in Indian cricket.
Bhuvneshwar took eight wickets in the series, while Shami took five. Theirs has not been just about taking wickets. They also nshowed great control to put pressure on Australia’s batsmen, and will be difficult to hit for runs in English conditions.