What India gained from Zimbabwe tour

As expected, Zimbabwe failed to challenge a young Indian side much. With a weak opposition struggling to match steps with them, Virat Kohli & Co came out with a few positives which augur well for the future. TOI takes a look...

SEAMS LIKE A DREAM FOR UNADKAT & MOHIT:

The biggest gain from this tour has been the emergence of two fine young seamers who should serve India for a long time to come. Left-arm seamer Jaidev Unadkat was dumped after an ordinary Test debut in 2010, but has found a new lease of life with his impressive performances on this tour. The Saurashtra fast bowler has bowled with good speed and accuracy. Haryana's Mohit Sharma too has shown plenty of promise in his first international outing.

RAHANE'S POSITIVE SHOW:

Ajinkya Rahane has been sitting on the sidelines ever since he failed against England in the ODI series at home earlier in this year. The 25-year-old Mumbaikar was left frustrated sitting on the bench despite good performances in the IPL, with the selectors preferring Rohit Sharma as an ODI opener. In this series, Rahane got just one game, but stroked a fifty which would help him regain some confidence.

VIRAT'S CAPTAINCY:

The jury may still be out on whether Virat Kohli possesses the right mental make up to lead a side, with his prolonged protest against an umpiring decision that led to his dismissal in the second ODI, sticking out like a sore thumb, but when it comes to setting an example with his on field performances, the Delhi youngster is second to none. The 24-yearold hit 197 runs in five games @98.50 to emphasise that he thrives on responsibility. He did well to demote himself and give others a chance to bat in the final ODI.

DHAWAN & JADEJA'S SUCCESS:

Since the Test series against Australia at home, India have discovered a world-class opener in Shikhar Dhawan and a quality all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja. Both continued their fine form on this tour, dishing out impactful performances in almost every game. Dhawan's ton in the second ODI rescued India from a precarious position. Jadeja's left-arm spin was always tough for the Zimbabweans to negotiate.

MISHRA'S SPINNING SUCCESS:

Amit Mishra was largely responsible for India registering a clean sweep without much sweat. The leg-spinner unveiled his bag of tricks to make optimum use of a rare opportunity, picking up a record 18 wickets in five games. In the final ODI, he ran through the home side with a haul of six for 48. The 30-year-old Delhiite, who now plays for Haryana, has now staged a strong claim for a Test recall.

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Shweta Pandey

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