England v India 2014: 5 Indian players who have a point to prove in the ODI series

With the World Cup 2015 scheduled in 6 months time, the 5-match ODI series in England gives the reserves and youngsters a chance to cement their places in the ODI side. With the absence of Yuvraj Singhandlack of consistent middle-orderoptions,plenty of places are up for grabs.A fewwill be looking to get back to the run scoring ways after adisastrous Test series. Let us look at five Indian players who be looking to make a mark in the series:

#5 Stuart Binny

The Karnataka cricketer surprised quite a few with his record spell of 6 for 4 in the second ODI against Bangladesh. A poor Test series has now banished his reputation and he badly needs improved results to justify his inclusion in the side. As a valuable lower order batsman he can score some quick runs for the team. On the hand, he can be a handy bowler to fall back on in the middle overs.

With all said and done, his inclusion in the playing XI might significantly affect the team combination either positively or negatively.

ODI career

Innings – 3

Runs – 28, Wickets – 6

Average: Batting – 14, Bowling – 5.66

#4 Suresh Raina

While the focus was mainly on the confident inclusion of Sanju Samson in the squad, many failed to notice the comeback of Suresh Raina. Yes, he was part of the last ODI squad to Bangladesh – captain, to be exact. But, he was not picked for the Asia Cup held in the country earlier this year owing to lack of form and will have to put up some impressive numbers to help his 2015 World Cup dreams.

No.5 can be the ideal position for him where he can look to attack the bowlers in the batting powerplay. Just because he is the most experienced middle order batsmen in the side, he cannot take his place for granted as a failure here will deal a severe blow to his future as a limited over specialist.

ODI career:

Innings – 165

Runs – 4663

Average – 35.32

#3 Umesh Yadav

Despite being one among the quickest of Indian pacers, he missed the Test series in England. Many were of the opinion that he was made to board the wrong plane to Australia with the A side, after he registered a five-for on a flat deck and scored 90 in the 2nd unofficial Test.

With India on the lookout for bowlers to confirm their berths for the World Cup, Yadav should be inching to impress everyone with the ball. With India’s first choice seamers having a reasonably good time in limited overs cricket adding to the inclusion of Dhawal Kulkarni, he has to hold on to his place in the XI with the every opportunity he gets. English conditions should give him his best chance for getting some wickets under his belt.

ODI career

Innings – 31

Wickets – 33

Average – 42.06

Economy – 6.05

#2 Ambati Rayudu

The Mumbai Indians star failed big time in the 3-match ODI series in Bangladesh and can consider this tour as the final oppourtunity to get a foothold in the national squad. Being one among the several options for the limited middle order slot available is not doing any good to his ambitions. The 28-year-old enters the series on the back of some decent form with the India A side in Australia.

The Hyderabad player’s hopes of clinging onto his place in the squad as the reserve wicket-keeper has now taken a hit following the inclusion of Sanju Samson. He now has no other option but to convince the selectors of his potential by scoring runs and he needs a lot of those. His unpleasing reaction after a questionable decision in a quadrangular ODI series fixture with India A will see his behaviour under the scanner.

ODI career:

Innings – 11

Runs – 261

Average – 32.62

#1 Ajinkya Rahane

Being in and out of the ODI side over the last few years, Rahane is now assured of a start in the middle-order. But, the 26-year-old cannot afford to relax as there are quality options available for his place, which include the likes of Manoj Tiwary and Cheteshwar Pujara. With a sound technique at his disposal, all he has to do is to try and stay at the wicket a little longer to make a name for himself and instill more trust to the national selectors on his inclusion.

A bit more patience can do him good as he has developed an unhealthy reputation off late in throwing away starts. The Mumbai right-hander looked in good nick at Lord’s where he made a fine hundred. If he continues his good run into the one-dayers, we might possibly see him at the No.4 slot in the World Cup down under.

ODI career:

Innings – 30

Runs – 754

Average – 25.13