(Cricket news) India defeated West Indies in all 3 T20Is to complete a tour whitewash winning 6 out of 6 games across 2 formats. India recovered very well from the disappointing tour of South Africa which Rahul Dravid described as an eye opener. The tour also kicked off India's new permanent all format captain Rohit Sharma.
The biggest takeaway is perhaps the performance of the Indian middle order in all 3 games. Venkatesh Iyer in all 3 games was exceptional as he is slotted straight into his new role as a finisher. Suryakumar Yadav in the 1st and the last game and Rishabh Pant in the 2nd game did their jobs perfectly well. The failure of the middle order has been the downfall of the Indian side for quite a while and the reason for that is they don't get to bat often enough because of the dominance of the top 3. The return of Ravindra Jadeja will only improve the side's depth.
After scoring only 17 in the first game, Virat Kohli got a 41 ball 52 in the 2nd innings. The innings was the first time in a while where Virat Kohli's timing was exquisite. He changed his approach and started attacking from the start which could be because of him not being the captain anymore. Kohli was subsequently rested for the 3rd game and will not take part in the 3 T20Is against Sri Lanka as well. It goes without saying that Kohli is a very key player for the side across formats and him getting back into his groove is extremely important. Although this innings doesn't guarantee that happening it is definitely a start.
The bowling did it's job really well despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Bhuvneshwar Kumar used all his experience while Shardul Thakur, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar also showed that Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid can count on them. The wrist spin partnership of Ravi Bishnoi and Yuzvendra Chahal worked it's magic in the first two games. They complimented each other really well and spun the first two games in India's favour. Venkatesh Iyer was always available when called upon and he was ready when Chahar pulled his hamstring in the 3rd game. Not only did he bowl well but also picked up 3 crucial wickets.
Rohit Sharma ticked every single box as the captain of the side. His bowling changes and field placements were on point throughout the series. The team selection as well spot which showed in the results. It is a very good sign before the World Cup. Perhaps the only negative was the fielding which at times was sloppy especially with the catching but will surely improve in the future. Avesh Khan and Ruturaj Gaikwad were given an opportunity to play the last game but couldn't make an impact. With Kohli and Pant to be rested in the Sri Lanka series more opportunities could arrive Gaikwad's way but it will be slim pickings for Avesh Khan who has a lot of competition.
Also read: Venkatesh Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav lead India to 17-run win over West Indies
