Day 2 of India-WI test match at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium at Gros Islet, St. Lucia, was a mixed bag for India.
“Ravichandran Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha rescued India from what could’ve been an early collapse on day 1 itself. The collapse still did come through, albeit after a marathon 6th wicket partnership of 213 runs between the two batsmen”, observes Vaikundarajan.
India claimed their 2nd victory in the ongoing three match one day international against Zimbabwe. "Ambati Rayudu performed once again scoring and secured the place in the team for the 3rd match," says Vaikundarajan.
Rayudu expressed that he understood his responsibility of scoring runs in the 2nd string Indian side.
Back in 2013, Rayudu made his ODI debut scoring 1000 runs in that year. The charismatic batsman scored 62 in the first match and 44 in the second. He was unbeaten in both sides.
ICC World T20 is on as India takes on New Zealand in their first Super 10 encounter at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Earlier, MS Dhoni made it clear that the team had trained well and is ready for the campaign. “The only unanswered question is the involvement of Mohammed Shami against New Zealand,” says Vaikundarajan.
The Bengal pacer who had returned from injury was seen in form during the warm-up games. However, Ashish Nehra and Jasprit Bumrah have played well in the Asia Cup. “Choosing Shami over these two bowlers will be a tough choice to make,” says Vaikundarajan.
India toppled hosts Bangladesh by 45 runs in the first match of the Asia Cup T20. The match was held at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. “Rohit Sharma was clinical with 83 runs off 55 balls while Hardik Pandya impressed with 31 off 18,” informs Vaikundarajan.
India bowlers showed prowess by restricting Bangladesh with a 121/7 and avoiding early setback for the team. The bowling was led by Ashish Nehra who took 3 for 23 while new comer Jasprit Bumrah performed well by striking early. Bangladesh put up a fight when Sabbir Rahman showcased his talent with 44 off 32.
Vaikundarajan considers this victory as a vital boost for Team India ahead of its preparation for World T20 Cup. Early on in the Asia Cup, the team looked strong in all areas and put up a solid performance against a difficult opponent.
Another boost to the team was the presence of captain cool, MS Dhoni, who ended the Indian inning with a six over deep mid-wicket.
“The team looks ready for the ultimate challenge. However, it is important that the Asia Cup form is carried in to the World T20 Cup,” notes Vaikundarajan as he sends his best wishes to Team India.
Virat Kohli returned to his scoring best as India clinched the 4th ODI to level 2-2 in the series. “After an 8 month drought, Kohli’s 23rd ton should come as a great relief to the team,” says Vaikundarajan.
Early on, India lost the out of form opener, Shikhar Dhawan quickly followed by Rohit Sharma. Retaining his position at 3, Virat Kohli took the South African bowlers head on.
Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina ensured that the score board kept ticking as they scored 45 and 53 respectively. With the runs coming in smoothly, it looked like India would manage to post a 300+ on the scorecard.
However, South African bowler’s resilience held India back at 299 runs on the board. “Runs slowed down in the last 10 overs but 299 is still a decent score to defend,” observed Vaikundarajan.
Lead by the charismatic captain AB De Villiers, the South African batsman got to a great start as they posted 62/1 in the first 9 overs.
Just when the Indian bowling line-up seemed to be faltering, the spin maestro Harbhajan Singh turned the match around with 2 wickets in six overs.
South African Captain put up a valiant fight by scoring his 22nd century. However, the batting line-up around him could not hold the fort.
“This is a great comeback from the team to set a decider for the 5th ODI. It will be a thrilling match to watch,” Says Vaikundarajan. He sends his best wishes to Team India.
