MSK Prasad admits that India would continue to dominate Australia in the ODI series

In Chennai, it looked like a matter of time before the Indian team collapsed against the lanky pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile. However, it was not how things turned for the hosts, with MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav bailing the team out from trouble. At 87/5 in the rain-hit game, India had no chance but to play out the 50 overs if they wanted a chance to win and thereafter the Indian team did nothing wrong.

Things turned on its head after all-rounder Hardik Pandya entered the crease to accompany Dhoni. The duo smashed the ball to all parts of the ground and gave India a total of 281 runs to defend. Dhoni got out for a well deserved 79, while the all-rounder made a quickfire 83 runs off just 63 balls to help India achieve a total of 280+. The match was then reduced to a 21-over encounter after rains started pouring down in Chennai with the Australian reply falling short of the target by 26 runs.

All bases covered

Chairman of the National Selection Committee MSK Prasad believes that this Indian team had all bases covered, be it with the bat, the ball or even in the field where they were quick to pounce on the opportunity presented in front of them. Prasad further maintains that this Indian team would dominate the visitors in the series.

“It was a splendid performance by India at Chennai. From being 87 for 5 with half the side back in the pavilion to winning the game. It is one of the finest matches I have seen in a long time,’’ complimented the former wicketkeeper-batter.

After the win in the first ODI, Indian skipper Virat Kohli emphasised on having two all-rounders in the squad. It was pretty obvious that Pandya fitted the bill after his masterclass performance in the Chennai ODI following his impressive display against Sri Lanka in the ODI series.

“It was a brilliant show by Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni. Their partnership was outstanding and both played a huge role in our victory. The bowlers did not lag behind. It was a complete team performance and I am sure the team will continue to do so in the rest of the matches,’’ Kohli commented on the team’s performance.

While Kohli believed that there would be no changes to this team, MSK said: “Let’s make it very clear. We (selectors) pick the best team possible and give it to the team management. It is they (team management) who decide who plays and where.”