SWOT analysis of the Indian ODI squad for New Zealand series

Weaknesses:

The Indian bowlers especially the pace department has always remained an area of concern. Also with the spearhead bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar being rested, it all falls upon Umesh Yadav to foster the inexperienced attack.

Yadav has struggled to make his place permanent in the team for a long time. His lengths have been inconsistent and at times, he has leaked many runs. Jasprit Bumrah seems to be an exciting prospect but he is inexperienced and will need the backing of other bowlers to deliver.

Dhawal Kulkarni has been around for a while but has failed to make a mark in the international arena. On the other hand, even Shardul Thakur hasn’t been completely exposed to international cricket. This is worrying considering the fact that the Kiwis boast of batting powerhouses likes of Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor in their lineup.

The spin department seems like an empty vessel without the spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja who have been rested. In their absence, it’s Amit Mishra and Axar who are expected to spin a web around the New Zealand batsmen.

We haven’t seen much of Jayant Yadav though he has impressed in the domestic arena. Hardik Pandya came in the team with lots of promises but faded by the end of the season. The selectors have again instilled their confidence upon him. Hardik would be keen to not go the ‘Stuart Binny’ way and restore the selectors faith.