Zimbabwe vs India ODI series- Major highlights

Though the series would have been somewhat boring from the fans’ point of view, but the final result was a true indicator as to why team India is a force to reckon with, atleast as far as the shorter versions of the game is concerned. The fact that a second-string team demolished a never-less-talented Zimbabweans by 5-0 will send warning signs to Australia and South Africa, who will tour India and host India respectively. Here are some of the major highlights of the India-Zimbabwe bilateral ODI series.

The Spinners : Spinners created havoc among the Zimbabwe batsmen. The wrecker-in-chief was Amit Mishra, who was well complimented by Ravindra Jadeja. While the Zimbabweans were restricted by some accurate bowling by Jadeja, they were clueless against the spin variations of Amit Mishra. Deservingly, he ended up with 18 wickets in the series, thus equalling the world record for the most wickets in a bilateral series.

The Batsmen : The batsman continued on where they left in West Indies, showing some good batting in difficult conditions. While the likes of Dhawan and Kohli continued their tremendous run, Ambati Rayadu and Dinesh Karthick consolidated the middle order, whenever the top order failed. Though he looked out of sorts before the series, Suresh Raina finally found some form in the later half of the series. Among the next generation middle order test batsmen, while Pujara failed miserably in the oppertunities he got, Rahane found some form in the only match he was in the playing eleven. All rounder Jadeja was at his usual best, chipping in with useful runs, and finished of the final match with style, where he was promoted to two-down.

The Fast Bowlers : It is one area wherein India is getting stronger, day by day. There were worrying signs as to who will be able to replace out-of-form-and-fitness, Zaheer Khan. Though the likes of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav were instrumental in India’s Champion’s trophy victory, the fast bowling bench strength still had to be tested. This series provided a great platform for the fast bowlers, who got an experience on semi-South African conditions. And they have passed with flying colors indeed! Shami Ahmed and Jayadev Unadkat produced some good fast bowling throughout the series. They were accurate in their line and length, which helped in building the pressure on the Zimbabwe batsmen. The real revealation has been IPL- product, Mohit Mahipal Sharma. He was economical, accurate and was disciplined in his bowling.

The Captain : The so-called "Dhoni’s successor" impressed one and all with his captaincy and batting skills. His team selection was spot on in all the matches, giving oppertunity to all the players. The only black spot for him in this series might be his disclusion of Parveez Rosol in the final match, which was a dead rubber. Though this is exactly not a "test" for him, but a whitewash is impressive, nevertheless.

This series had been a learning curve for some of the fresh faces of Indian cricket, who might well be India’s future, in all forms of cricket.