5 Major factors that team India must address in the ODI series

5 Major factors that team India must address in the ODI series: The long wait is over, as South Africa has begun their longest tour of India with a victory over the hosts in the recently concluded T20I series. Retaining the same team for the ODIs, India will see the defeat in the Twenty20I series as a stepping stone and look to organize their team in order to make a strong stand in the 50-over series. With the ODIs close at hand, the home team will have to quickly cover their bases and check on a few major points if they are to overcome the mighty Proteas. 1. Spin to win: (© DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images) Perhaps the biggest dilemma while bowling in the subcontinent is deciding what type of spinner to use. With three distinct styles to choose from, the Indian team management will be pulling their hair out, trying to figure out whom to pick and whom to leave out. Ashwin’s place is certain – he has been India’s best spinner for the past half-decade, and has included many variations to his repertoire to become one of the most probing bowlers of modern times. Of the two other spinners, Mishra is more likely to be picked since he brings in the variation with his leg-spin and is a seasoned campaigner. Axar at the other hand proved to be very expensive in the T20I series and that might well go against his chances. 2. Certain plan against Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers (© Getty Images) Hashim Amla is like the modern orthodox player. He uses his supple wrists and strong hands to manoeuvre the ball into the gaps and picks the boundaries at will. If Amla is the surgeon, De Villiers is the butcher. He has proved time and time again that he can play as per the situation, slow and steady or fast and aggressive. Ravichandran Ashwin bowled well against De Villiers in the T20I series, and MS Dhoni will take heart from his performances. He will be using Ashwin as his primary weapon against ABD, who has been found a bit wanting against spinners in recent times. Amla is tough to get out once he gets going, so Dhoni will depend on his pace bowlers to nip out the Protea opener during the powerplay itself. 3. Batting collapses: (Photo Source: BCCI) India and batting collapses have always gone hand in hand. Over time, most teams have gone with the idea of keeping wickets in hand till the 35th over, and then try to score 8 or 9 runs per over in the slog period. India must look to do the same, and try to spend only 2 or 3 wickets until the 35th over. The South African death bowling is one of the best in the world, with Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel leading the pack. Their ability to bowl yorkers at will makes them extremely dangerous, and India will look to set themselves up for a grand showdown at the death. India’s top-order will be under pressure to fire in the opening overs to make sure that another collapse doesn’t spoil it for India. 4. The middle order conundrum: (© Getty Images) As is the case with most ODI teams in the modern game, India still have not decided on a constant middle order for their team. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who has been very successful at the No. 5 position has expressed his desire to move up the order and take up more of the strike, which means that Suresh Raina might be expected to act as the finisher for the team. Ajinkya Rahane who has fluctuated in the team will find himself batting at No. 5, a far cry from his usual position as opener. Similarly, Suresh Raina, who usually bats at No. 4, will have to bat at No. 6, which means he will take the role of the big-hitter. Another player who will hope to feature in the team will be Ambati Rayudu, who – if he gets a chance – will replace Rahane at No. 4, where he has played well in recent times. 5. Death bowling: Umesh Yadav. (© Getty Images) Perhaps even more than batting collapses, India’s biggest fear is bowling at the death. The South African batsmen like AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and David Miller are dangerous in the slog overs. All three batsmen have experience of playing in India and they will look to hit the Indian bowlers out of the park, especially De Villiers. Once again, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar will be on the frontlines as he has proven to be India’s best death bowler in the IPL. Mohit Sharma must provide him ample support, as he will use his slower ball variations to try and bamboozle the batsmen. Once India has ticked all these 5 boxes, they can be sure of a series victory over the mighty Proteas.