As India and South Africa head into the ODI series decider in Vizag on December 6 (Saturday), one major talking point has emerged from the first two matches—India’s lower-order struggles in the absence of Hardik Pandya. Despite strong starts, India have struggled to maintain momentum in the death overs, raising questions around team balance and the effectiveness of the current middle-order options.
India’s Finishing Struggles Exposed in First Two ODIs
In the ongoing series, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja have been slotted at No. 5 and No. 7 respectively. However, the combination has yielded underwhelming returns—just 70 runs off 74 balls combined—despite both walking in with strong platforms set by the top order.
The issue became more prominent in the second ODI in Raipur, where India managed only 74 runs in the final 10 overs. Sundar and Jadeja contributed a mere 25 off 35 balls in that crucial phase. The slow finish ultimately cost India the match, as South Africa chased down 359 in the final over, dominating the middle phase of the chase.
Ashwin Rejects Calls for Riyan Parag’s Inclusion at No. 5/6
Following India’s struggles, several fans and analysts floated Riyan Parag’s name as a potential middle-order solution. However, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed disagreement on social media, arguing that Parag is not yet suited for the role India currently needs.
Ashwin highlighted that while Parag is a promising talent with a strong List A average of 41, he has not regularly batted at No. 5 or 6—positions that demand finishing ability and part-time bowling support. He pointed out that Parag began his IPL journey as a finisher for Rajasthan Royals but only found success after moving up to No. 3/4.
Ashwin compared the situation to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been batting at No. 4 for India despite traditionally playing at No. 3 in the IPL. According to Ashwin, this move could be the result of communication from the coaching or selection group, or a decision by Gaikwad himself to showcase versatility.
He suggested that for Parag to fit into the current ODI setup, he must demonstrate similar adaptability:
“At this point of time Riyan needs to show that sort of versatility to be able to warrant a place at 5/6.”
The timing of this debate has been unfavorable for Parag, who is enduring a poor Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign for Assam, with scores of 5, 15, 14, 0, and 5. The 22-year-old last represented India in October 2024 and will need to rediscover form quickly to stay in contention.
