England vs India 2018: Five things we learnt from the ODI series

#3 Depleted Indian bowling reserves

Kaul went wicket-less in the entire ODI series

Bumrah’s injury created a big vacancy before the start of the ODI series. Besides, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s untimely injury ahead of the first ODI opened up one more slot in the playing XI. With two big names missing out, it was the right time for the players on the bench to display their talents and push for their selection in India’s World Cup squad.

Though Umesh Yadav picked up three wickets from two games, he was slightly expensive and lacked consistency throughout the series. Siddarth Kaul had a forgettable series with no wickets to show against his name. Shardul Thakur picked up a single wicket in the only match he played. Hardik Pandya completed his full quota of 10 overs only once.

India’s trust in Pandya as a bowler had utterly backfired in the series. Besides, the weaknesses of India’s fast bowling reserves were exposed. In short, the series provided a glimpse of what could happen if both Bumrah and Bhuvi are injured ahead of the 2019 World Cup.