As India has a number of selection challenges ahead of Sunday’s first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, Rishabh Pant’s spot in the playing eleven is far from certain, and Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy are embroiled in a fierce battle for the additional all-rounder’s spot.
The management of the Indian team will also have to consider the wider demands of the white-ball season while addressing the difficult selection issues. The selection will mostly depend on balance and circumstances, although as a number of seniors are rested, the series’ first game may provide insight into the selectors’ medium-term strategy.
The main topic of discussion is whether captain KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant can both play in the starting lineup if Pant isn’t given wicketkeeping responsibilities. Although Pant has received a lot of flak for how he was dismissed in the Guwahati Test, it is the style of cricket he has always played.
The team think tank faces a tactical conundrum if Rahul, the designated captain, puts on the gloves: can they afford to play Pant only as a middle-order batter? Because his left-handed presence balances an otherwise right-heavy lineup and Pant’s comeback to ODI cricket is tactically crucial.
Playing both is not implausible, but it will depend on how much batting depth India wants in the colder nighttime circumstances in Ranchi, when an extended lineup may be necessary for chasing. However, it could be necessary to give up either the second all-rounder or batting depth at No. 7 in order to fit both.
Nitish Reddy or Washington for the all-rounder’s position is another crucial choice. Although the JSCA Stadium’s pitch has historically given spinners grip, early winter weather and a little amount of grass could keep seam-bowling all-rounders in the frame. Nitish provides late-over hitting and hit-the-deck bowling, which India has lacked in ODIs.
In contrast, Washington offers match-up advantages against left-handers, control during the Powerplay, and an additional batting option at No. 7. Washington steps in if India takes a more conservative, control-oriented stance. Nitish might be chosen if they desire a power-hitting cushion at the end and impact with the ball.
With India expected to feature Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna, the makeup of the speed attack will also be scrutinized. Given that South Africa has aggressive batters like Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke, India may choose to use the two-plus-one model, which consists of two front-line pacers backed by an all-rounder. Harshit’s fast bursts and Arshdeep’s new-ball swing become useful in that situation.
The spin department poses a challenge of its own. India might use just one wrist-spinner if Washington plays; if he doesn’t, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi might form an offensive spin tandem.
Tilak, whose white-ball stocks have increased significantly over the past year, is a crucial component of the batting lineup. Tilak is a good contender in a rearranged middle order due to his versatility as a batsman, ranging from an aggressive No. 3 to a stabilizing No. 5 or 6. If India decides to use just one frontline finger-spinner, his part-time off-spin also provides tactical importance. He can probably bat at number five on Sunday, and either Pant or he will play.
Depending on India’s need for flexibility, players like Ruturaj Gaikwad may be considered for a middle-order shuffle due to Shreyas Iyer’s ongoing recuperation. He is primarily an opener, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will hold that position for the most part. After batting ahead of Tilak at the nets on Friday, Gaikwad spoke with skipper Rahul and under-fire coach Gautam Gambhir.
Conditions under lights, which India bowling coach Morne Morkel said might be a factor, will ultimately determine the outcome.
“Yesterday (Thursday) when I stepped off the plane, it was much colder. It’ll be interesting to see what the ball does in the evenings. We’re practising under lights today, so that will give us a good indication,” Morkel said.
