Different format, different Team India

It wasn't surprising to see a drastically different India in the second ODI against England at Cardiff on Wednesday. A team coming from consecutive Test defeats - both inside three days - took to ODIs like fish to water. And before we forget, it's the ODI champions after all that we are talking about here.
The reinforcement for the ODI leg of England tour didn't take time to spring into action. Led by Suresh Raina's quickfire ton, India, No. 2 in ICC rankings, defeated both rain and England to romp home victors by 133 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja too hit his groove in the format he prefers - doing the job with the ball in a four-wicket spell that orchestrated England's collapse. From 54 for 0, the hosts slipped to 161 all out.

Rohit Sharma, who, like the rest of the Indian batsmen was found wanting in the Test series, came into his own at Cardiff with an innings of 52 - though he must be kicking dirt to not get a century like Raina.


MS Dhoni, who was one of the very few Indian batsmen to tackle England bowlers in Tests, was in his elements as well - hitting 52 and adding 144 runs in just 16.5 overs with Raina, who scored his century in just 74 balls before getting out the very next delivery.
What possibly clicked for India in Cardiff was the introduction of fresh legs and an uncomplicated approach. Raina, who joined the squad for ODIs, had no baggage of Test embarrassment on his back. Rather he had a point to prove after being overlooked for the Test squad.
Mohit Sharma, who too has arrived with Raina for the ODIs, also made his presence felt with a testing spell at the top. Though he couldn't get among the wickets, his six-over spell of 0/18 allowed Jadeja to tighten the noose around the English batsmen.
But it will be a touch early to label it as 'change of fortune' on the basis of just one match. India will have to do it more consistently, and the next week will tell us if they can.