C365's ODI series report cards: India

• Cricket365
• September 6, 2014

India won the series three-one, losing just the last game once the series was sealed, and overall they performed light years better than in the Tests, with the middle order and all-rounders proving the most valuable.

India won the series three-one, losing just the last game once the series was sealed, and overall they performed light years better than in the Tests, with the middle order and all-rounders proving the most valuable.

<b>Rohit Sharma</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 52<br><b>Average</b>: 52<br><b>HS</b>: 52<br><b>Catches</b>: 0

The opener played only one match before being ruled out with a hand injury, after picking up a fracture on a middle finger during fielding in the second ODI. He scored a half century in that game though, and it was vital to the side's win as they were two down for 19 before he and Ajinkya Rahane steadied the ship.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 7

<b>Ajinkya Rahane</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 192<br><b>Average</b>: 48<br><b>HS</b>: 106<br><b>Catches</b>: 3

While no-one scored more than 200 runs in total in the series, Rahane came the closest, and was one of three players to score a century. He was moved up to opener when Rohit got injured, and he took full advantage. His ton in the fourth ODI was his first of the format, as he and Dhawan put on a near-200 opening stand. India won the game by nine wickets, and thus the series. He was also one of the better catchers in the series, second only to Alastair Cook for number of grabs.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 8

<b>Shikhar Dhawan</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 155<br><b>Average</b>: 51.66<br><b>HS</b>: 97*<br><b>Catches</b>: 0

While the opener had a dismal Test series and was dropped for the final two games, his return to the ODI side was marginally better. His 97 not out in the fourth ODI, in partnership with Rahane, was his saving grace, as his next best score was 31 and the other two knocks failed to pass 20. Still, he looked much better, more confident, during that 97, and he smashed a huge six to win the game.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 7

<b>Virat Kohli</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 54<br><b>Average</b>: 18<br><b>HS</b>: 40<br><b>Catches</b>: 1

Oh Virat. While he had a terrible Test series, most people expected Kohli to find his feet in this series, as one-dayers are by far in his comfort zone. But it was not to be, and aside from the 40 in Nottingham, he made scores of 0. 1 and 13. Not vintage Virat in the slightest, and luckily the rest of the order managed some good knocks so the pressure was somewhat negated. He will be the most eager to get on the plane back to India, we're sure.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 4

<b>Ambhati Rayudu</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 117<br><b>Average</b>: 117<br><b>HS</b>: 64*<br><b>Catches</b>: 0<br><b>Wickets</b>: 1<br><b>Ave</b>: 8.00<br><b>Best figures</b>: 1/9

Rayudu was very good in the middle order, scoring two fifties in the two innings he appeared in. and was the only player to record more than one 50-plus score in the series. His first game was in Nottingham, where he scored his 64 not out, ensuring victory for his side by six wickets. In this game he also took his maiden international wicket, bagging Cook, who used his feet and was stumped.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 8

<b>Suresh Raina</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 160<br><b>Average</b>: 51.33<br><b>HS</b>: 100<br><b>Catches</b>: 3<br><b>Wickets</b>: 4<br><b>Ave</b>: 29.25<br><b>Best figures</b>: 1/12

Raina was the Man of the Series for a reason, not least for his century in Cardiff. It came when his team was in trouble, the top order having faltered, and it ensured a big enough total to defend. It came off just 75 balls, and set the team up for their series win as it got them off the mark. He also took a wicket in each match he played, often a key one, and bagged three superb catches. He also affected a memorable run out, a direct hit from the boundary. Rain's arrival, having not been part of the Tests, was a breath of fresh air and he seemed to energise his discouraged team-mates.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 8.5

<b>MS Dhoni</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 80<br><b>Average</b>: 40.10<br><b>HS</b>: 52<br><b>Catches</b>: 3 (plus four stumpings)

The skipper's series was not as profitable as the Tests, and he didn't manage to score too many cameo runs, but this time it was alright as he wasn't really required. Aside from the final game, India did the job with the bat before Dhoni needed to rescue them, though he did score a neat half ton in Cardiff to ensure a defendable target. His captaincy was impressive and attacking, keeping slips in to the spinners, and other funky tactics, and was well supported by his bowlers.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 6.5

<b>Ravi Jadeja</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 108<br><b>Average</b>: 108<br><b>HS</b>: 87<br><b>Catches</b>: 1<br><b>Wickets</b>: 7<br><b>Ave</b>: 24.57<br><b>Best figures</b>: 4/28

Stats-wise, Jadeja was probably India's MVP. He contributed well in every match, and his four wickets in the second ODI in Cardiff was a key reason for the win that got them on the road to the trophy. He broke partnerships that threatened to derail India, and in later games added more scalps that made his the second-best wicket-taker. His best figures were the best of the series, and one of only two four-fers. Batting wise, he came good in the fifth match, but his half ton was unable to salvage the game.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 8

<b>Ravi Ashwin</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 26<br><b>Average</b>: 26<br><b>HS</b>: 16<br><b>Catches</b>: 2<br><b>Wickets</b>: 7<br><b>Ave</b>: 24.85<br><b>Best figures</b>: 3/39

The all-rounder was tied second on the wicket list, though was not so hot with the bat this time around. He took wickets in every game, with his three-fer in Nottingham ripping the heart our of England's middle order and ensuring a small target. He proved on this tour that he can be effective outside India, and Dhoni used him well in conjunction with Jadeja and Raina.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 7

<b>Mohammed Shami</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 0<br><b>Average</b>: 0<br><b>HS</b>: 0<br><b>Catches</b>: 1<br><b>Wickets</b>: 8<br><b>Ave</b>: 19<br><b>Best figures</b>: 3/28

The paceman was the series' highest wicket-taker, though no-one managed to crack double figures. He put the pressure on with the new ball, helping Bhuvi remove the openers, and then returned at the death to clean up the tail. His best effort came in Birmingham, though never went wicketless in the series. On the down side, he was expensive, but nobody who bowled a decent amount of overs conceded less than 4.3 to the over.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 7.5

<b>Bhuvneshwar Kumar</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 1<br><b>Average</b>: 1<br><b>HS</b>: 1<br><b>Catches</b>: 1<br><b>Wickets</b>: 5<br><b>Ave</b>: 26.80<br><b>Best figures</b>: 2/14

The paceman was clearly exhausted in this series, after his thankless efforts in the Tests. Don't let his batting stats mislead though, he did only bat the once. With the ball he was good, but invisible for the most part as the spinners took over. Still, he wasn't rubbish and took at least a wicket in each game, but didn't look as good as he had in the Tests.<br><b>Out of 10:</b> 6

<b>Umesh Yadav</b><br><b>Runs</b>: 0<br><b>Average</b>: -<br><b>HS</b>: 0*<br><b>Catches</b>: 1<br><b>Wickets</b>: 1<br><b>