Time for India to test bench strength (Preview)

Three matches into the series, winner has been decided and on the expected lines too. Without much of a sweat, the tourists have secured a 3-0 lead. And, for the home team, the loss has yet again reflected poor state of Caribbean cricket.

A second string Indian team has looked a far superior side than West Indies. In batting, Rohit Sharma seems to have overcome his frailty in batting approach and, already, has two match winning knocks under his belt in the series. His innings in the third ODI helped India to win from a desperate situation. Not only he scored unbeaten 86, Rohit showed class and composure to guide lower order to steer India to series win. Parthiv Patel is making most of his second chance in Indian team with only Rohit scoring more runs than him in the series among the Indian batsmen.

Leg spinner Amit Sharma has been no less than sensational. Inexperienced West Indies batsmen have looked all at sea against leggie’s variation. In Zaheer Khan’s absence, Munaf has stepped up to the spearhead’s role giving India breakthroughs with the new ball and old as well. Indian fielding standards in the series have been terrific.

With series done and dusted, India will be keen to give a game or two to the likes of Ishant Sharma and Manoj Tiwary. For Ishant, who was dropped for the world cup, last two one-dayers are a perfect opportunity to find some rhythm before all important test series.

For embattled West Indies team, there is lot to ponder about. The Darren Sammy led side is grappling with all kinds of problems. A verbal feud between star opener Chris Gayle and West Indies Cricket Board continues to hit the team badly. Inexplicable selections and lack of talent and skill have made things tough for West Indies. Spin friendly pitches haven’t favoured the West Indies’ case either. It robs them off home advantage and gives Indian spinners all the help to torment their batting lineup.

After proving to be no match to India in first two ODI’s, the hosts did fight in the third one. Infact, they had better of India when six of tourists’ wickets were snaffled for less than 100 runs before Rohit spoiled their party. A star in Andre Russell was unearthed who impressed one and all by his hitting prowess, patience, talent and, more importantly, awareness to the situation. If handled properly, he, by the look of things, possesses all ingredients to make it big in the game.

West Indies will be playing for proverbial pride. They would want to win remainder of the match to bring home some sort of consolation. To be honest, the home team doesn’t look a side to win a game this series. It appears art of winning has been buried and losing has become a habit.

India Squad: Suresh Raina (capt), R Ashwin, S Badrinath, Harbhajan Singh (vc), Virat Kohli, Praveen Kumar, Amit Mishra, Munaf Patel, Parthiv Patel (wk), Yusuf Pathan, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Manoj Tiwary, Shikhar Dhawan.

West Indies Squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Kirk Edwards, Danza Hyatt, Kemar Roach, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons