India in Australia ODI Series 2016 – India Player Ratings

Australia has been the better side and has completely dominated India to win the bilateral series between the two sides. They have been more aggressive, more confident, more decisive and more skillful than their Asian opponents. India had their moments, but made basic errors in crunch situations in most of the matches. The world champions, on the other hand, capitalized on the slightest of openings to turn the momentum their way. India pulled off that last ODI and made it 4-1 in favor of the Aussies for the series however it was a disappointing performance overall.  Here are the Indian Player Ratings for the performance throughout the 4 match Test series:

Here are the Indian Player Ratings for the performance throughout the 4 match Test series:

Rohit Sharma – 9.5/10:

Rohit Sharma scored 441 run at a mind-boggling average of 110.25. He started the series with a bang, scoring an unbeaten innings of 171*. He followed it up with another century at WACA.  He was strangely out for a single digit score in the third ODI and later could make only 46 in the fourth ODI. Sharma was on his way to making his third century of the series could only manage 99 in the final ODI. Unfortunately, both of his fantastic centuries came for losing cause for India. However, in all, he was stupendous in the series and the best batsman from both sides.

Shikhar Dhawan – 8/10:

Dhawan place in the team was in debate before the series. The debate intensified after he started off the series with poor scores of 9 and 6. However, Dhawan struck back to form when he batted for a cautious knock of 68. However, it was still unsatisfactory. The next game, he earned the trust back with a brilliant century in the 4th ODI. And, finally in the last ODI, he was back into his old scoring ways after he scored yet another fifty in the fifth and the last ODI of the series. In all, he finished the series high on confidence with 287 runs in five matches at an average of 57.40.

Virat Kohli – 9/10:

Virat Kohli performed extremely well in all the matches of the series except the last ODI. Kohli missed out on starting 2016 with a century after he was dismissed on 91 in the first game. He hit another fifty in the next game. Kohli was unstoppable and went on to hit back to back tons in the 3rd and the 4th ODI. It was unfortunate that none of his knocks could result in India’s victory but that take away the credit of his performances.

Ajinkya Rahane – 8.5:

Ajinkya Rahane also had a satisfying series with two half-centuries to his name. Rahane did not get the opportunity in the first game. But, made most of the chances he got in the 2nd and the 3rd game, scoring 89 and 50. Rahane performed the responsibilities of perfect anchor provided solidity in the middle order. Rahane was unlucky to get injured and was forced out of the final ODI. Overall, he 141 runs and averaged 47 in the series.

Manish Pandey – 7.5/10:

Manish Pandey was long waiting for an opportunity to shine for India. Pandey was picked up in the playing XI of the first two ODIs. He did not get a chance to come out in the middle in the first game and could not do well in the 2nd game after he got out for just 6 runs. Pandey was overlooked for the next two matches but included in the final ODI in which he gave the performance of his life. He definitely deserves all the applause for his beautiful knock of 104* which guided India to their ole victory of the series. Pandey eventually finished with 110 runs in 3 matches.

MS Dhoni – 5/10:

In a sense, MS Dhoni had a forgettable series according to his standards. Dhoni, who is in his twilight of his career, was another subject of debate among the Indian fans. Dhoni looked off color throughout the series and could manage only 86 runs in the series, averaging just 17.20. His best knock of 34 was also sluggish but he gave a glimpse of his old style when smacked a six in the decisive of over of the final match. It would insensible to blame him for the series loss but his leadership is also under criticism.

Gurkeerat Mann – 4/10:

Gurkeerat Mann got his deserved chance but could cash in on the opportunity. The all-rounder, who probably included as a replacement for the out of form Suresh Raina, could perform impressively; managing just 13 runs 3 games. He had a brilliant chance of becoming a hero in the 4th ODI at Canberra but faltered there too.  Mann has another chance to show his worth after he was added as a cover to the injured Ajinkya Rahane.

Rishi Dhawan – 4/10:

Rishi Dhawan made his debut in the series. Dhawan was included to fill the role of a seam bowling all-rounder but was not very impactful in doing so. Dhawan was good at displaying his bowling skills but couldn’t do anything with his bat. He played three games and could only pick one wicket and could score only 12 runs with limited opportunities he got with the bat.

Ravichandran Ashwin – 5/10:

Ravichandran Ashwin came into the series after an outstanding home series. However, Ashwin was given only two games this series. He did reasonably well in the 1st ODI with figures of 2/68 and went wicketless in the second ODI while conceding 60 runs. Ashwin was neglected from the playing XI for the rest of series.

Barinder Sran – 6/10:

Barinder Sran was the most surprising inclusion for the ODI series and thoroughly justified this decision after he returned with figures of 3/56 in the first ODI. However, that was the only significant performance he could make in the series. He was given further two ODIs to play but was wicketless in them. Sran has the skills to the next consistent performer but he was just functional in this series.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 2.5:

Bhuvi was also a disappointment for India. The swing bowlers was given a place in the first and the fourth ODI of the series and returned wicketless in both of them. It’s high time that he focuses on why he is struggling and get back to the jubilant ways.

Umesh Yadav – 4/10:

The fast bowler played all 5 matches in the series. He impressed in parts however his inconsistency proved the biggest problem for his captain and the team. Yadav bowled 47.5 over and took 7 wickets at an average of 49.28. His best was 3/67 but he proved expensive as suggested by his economy rate of 7.21. He leaked runs at important junctures and couldn’t sustain any pressure on the batsmen. His batting was also mindless in the 4th ODI where he played a bizarre knock swinging the bat yet missing the ball.

Ishant Sharma – 6/10:

Ishant made a comeback to the ODI side and did reasonably well. He played in 4 matches and took 9 wickets. He bowled 40 overs conceding 250 runs at an economy rate of 6.25. His top spell was 4/77 while his average was 27.77. In order to cement his place in the ODI side he will need to work on his death bowling. When the batsmen go after Ishant, he still finds it difficult to control his line and length and has the tendency to bowl on both sides of the wickets.

Also read: Australia vs India: ODI series in pictures