Virat Kohli has been looking impressive in this series so far and with the series already in India's pocket, as they are leading 3-0, he would be looking forward to test the bench strength of the Indian team. With the likes of Mohit Sharma and Shami Ahmed in the attack, a good contest can be expected against Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza who have been looking good especially when they are in aggressive mode. It hasn’t been a great series for Rohit Sharma but he can surely make necessary adjustment to his game to suit the wicket at Bulawayo.
Here we bring to you the players to watch out for the match between India and Zimbabwe in fourth ODI.
Virat Kohli: Kohli is in some terrific form in this series and would be looking to continue that in the penultimate ODI of the series. His captaincy has been spot-on as his bowling changes have delivered time and again. Apart from that, his approach of using the spinners as an attacking option has made some remarkable difference for the team. It is expected that he might rope in Mohit Sharma for this ODI and if that happens, then it would be interesting to see how he will handle him.
Vusi Sibanda: Sibanda played an ill-timed shot to throw away his wicket in the last match. He needs to take care of that as Indian pace attack doesn’t have that much ability to penetrate if someone is in an attacking mode and if he gets going, he can make a difference for his team. He has played some very good shots in couple of matches and he needs to show that kind of intent in this game.
Mohit Sharma: Sharma was absolutely brilliant in the IPL as he has that knack of giving early breakthroughs. He is not as quick as Umesh Yadav or Ishant Sharma but he can bowl the right channel which is equally important, especially when the surface is doing a fair bit for the bowlers.
Brendon Taylor: Taylor hasn’t delivered as it was expected from someone like him. He needs to break the shackles and needs to play some sensible innings to get his team back on a right track.
Rohit Sharma: Kohli might be looking to give this talented Mumbaikar another chance who has been the worst performer for the team so far on this tour. His tendency to throw his wicket despite getting start early in the innings is haunting him again. He needs to do well if he gets into the squad because the likes of Chetashwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are warming up the bench.
Hamilton Masakadza: Masakadza has played few very good innings in this series so far and his skipper would be expecting him to continue his good form. He just needs to convert those 30’s and 40’s to big ones. If he starts dealing in those big numbers then a tough fight can be expected from Zimbabweans in this match.
Shami Ahmed: Ahmed has been brilliant so far with the ball. He hasn’t been a wicket-taking option for Virat but surely his out-swingers have created quite a bit of chances for his team. His ability to move the ball has been an absolute treat for the eyes.
Dinesh Karthik: Karthik was sensational with the bat in the second ODI and with some good work with the gloves in this series, he looks quite confident. His performance as a keeper has surely taken a leap after the tri-series that he played few weeks back in Windies.
Prosper Utseya: Utseya has performed well so far not just with the ball but with the bat too. His useful contributions lower down the order makes him a much needed player in case of batting collapse. He has been economical when it comes to bowling but hasn’t been a wicket-taking option for his captain.
Tendai Chatara: Chatara has that ability to contain the batsmen with his pace and length. Apart he would have to make the Indian batsmen play the ball as that is the only way he could pick up the wickets. He can rely on some short stuff, which has been a cause of concern for Indian top-order in this series.
By Amit Chopra
Indian Sports News Network
