India vs England 2020-21: Ranking the top performers across departments as India clinches ODIs
India came up with a die-hard approach and ensured that it finished on top against England in the just-concluded three-game One-Day International series. As a result, India ensured series wins in all three formats, but it did not come without a fight.
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FollowTeam India had to grind in and dig deep to ensure to come out on top in the just-concluded three-match One-Day International series against England at home. Although the visitor tried to prove that taming the number one ODI team and the reigning world champion is not an easy task, the host did prevail.
Starting from the opening game to the second, it went either way, while the final match went down to the wire. Nonetheless, as India rejoices, it is time to look at the top performers in every department.
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Batsmen
The batting department was loaded with top guns like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and three others. However, veteran opener Dhawan proved that he is a different breed altogether when it comes to ODI cricket, as he can bat as per the situation demands and composure. While Kohli, too, proved his mettle, fellow senior opener Rohit failed to get going.
Top performers: Dhawan and Kohli
Wicketkeepers
Among the two wicketkeepers, both put on a show. Rishabh Pant proved that he is India's next big thing after MS Dhoni, finishing as the side's third-highest run-scorer, besides continuing his marvellous work behind the stumps. As for KL Rahul, he was under pressure, having failed to fire in the T20Is. Nonetheless, he fired in the opening two games and even scored a century in the second to finish as the highest run-scorer for the side.
Top performers: Rahul and Pant
All-rounders
With three all-rounders in the squad, only a couple made it to the playing XI, and it happened to be the Pandya brothers (Hardik and Krunal). However, of the two, Hardik was the star, especially with the bat, slamming 100 runs in the three games. He could only bowl three overs without any success. As for Krunal, he made a stormy debut in the opening ODI, slamming a quickfire 58. Nevertheless, he was not as prolific in the following games, while he did not impact his spin bowling at all, claiming 1/160 in three innings.
Top performer: Hardik
Spinners
As for specialist spinners, while Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav were in the squad, Kuldeep was given a couple of chances and was battered all over the park. It was regrettable for Chahal not to have game time, as none of the spinners impacted the series.
Top performers: None
Pacers
With five specialist pacers, there were three who simply nailed it. Shardul Thakur was the top performer, claiming seven wickets, while seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Prasidh Krishna claimed six each, playing a pivotal role in India's success. T Natarajan just got to play a game and manage a wicket, while Mohammed Siraj did not get any game time.
Top performers: Thakur, Bhuvneshwar and Krishna
Fielders
Among the fielders, Kohli had the safest hands, claiming three catches. While others did contribute, claiming one each, Hardik was notable for dropping a couple in the final game, and so was Thakur and Natarajan. Overall, it was a decent fielding effort from the side.
Top performer: Kohli
