Why the Blockbuster Indians Will Light Up the Tri Series

Though they fought hard India were outplayed by Australia in their recent test series, and the men from the sub-continent will be out to bounce back in the 50 over version of the game. They’ll take on the Aussies and England when the One Day Tri Series gets underway on January 16 with all 3 teams using the tournament as a final preparation for next month’s World Cup. And while India’s ultimate goal will be to defend the trophy they won on home soil in 2011, they’ll also be keen to claim the Tri Series silverware along the way and head into the biggest tournament in World Cricket in winning form.

Their record is poor in Australia’s Triangular series, only managing to top the honour board just once in seven attempts. In their last effort India were unable to reach the final leaving the hosts and Sri-Lanka to fight for the prize. While statistics may say they’ll struggle India’s players won’t be daunted by the challenge ahead.

Hot Indian Streak

India is exceptional in limited overs cricket. Ranked second in the world behind Australia they exude confidence in the 50 over format and recent results shows why. The Indians have won 7 straight matches which saw them secure a series win over the West Indies before a 5 nil clean sweep of Sri- Lanka. Previous to those triumphs were a 3-1 win over England in the United Kingdom and a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh. In fact the Indians have only lost 2 ODI matches since June last year.

Brilliant Batsmen can Blast any Bowlers

While India’s bowling is strong their batting is brilliant. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni are automatic selections in the side. It’s a super six which is one of the most settled and revered batting orders in the world. The only real question is over combinations and just who should open? The battle appears to be between Sharma and Rahane to bat alongside lefty Dhawan at the top of the order and both men have strong cases. Rahane was promoted to opener when Sharma was injured and impressed selectors with some solid knocks including two centuries. Rohit’s response on his return was unimaginable. A world record 264 runs against Sri Lanka showed why he should begin India’s innings. The only man to hit two double tons in limited overs cricket will be out to consolidate his position at the top, ahead of the World Cup.

Kohli Keen to Keep Scoring

Virat Kohli talked the talk throughout the test series against Australia but backed it up with the bat, scoring a remarkable 692 runs which included 4 brilliant hundreds. He’s a man on a mission and there’s no doubt he’s India’s best bat. At 26 Kohli has already racked up 21 ODI centuries from just 138 innings, with an average above 52. On that basis Virat hits triple figures roughly every 7 innings. Don’t be surprised to see the superstar posts plenty against the Poms and Aussies when the tournament begins.

Australia is less than even money favourites to take out the Tri Series at home but India can be an unforgiving and uncompromising One Day Side. They aren’t the current World Cup holders and ICC Champions by fluke. If they hit full flight during the competition they’ll be tough to catch and entertaining to watch. England and Australia… you have been warned!