Batting first always makes sense and can be useful in every ODI you play even though the pitch supports bowlers.
In any cricket game, you as a captain first look at the pitch before the game gets played. After winning toss, you choose to field because you find overcast conditions even if the pitch is dry. You think that you can restrict the opposition to under 250 in an ODI game and can then easily chase. This might not happen as the other team makes full use of their fresh legs as they never seem to be tired. Because in ODI cricket the team gets tired of fielding first, and cannot make things as they planned and loses wickets.
Batting first in ODI was started by Pakistan’s former captain Imran Khan and he was happy to bat first. He used to bat first and later on use his bowlers effectively to grab wickets. In order to chase whatever might be the target the other team will always be under pressure. They know that to play good deliveries bowled at them, they need more concentration. Hence their asking rate goes up.
Batting first in ODIs is a great option after winning the toss and compile the best score as per your strength. Assess how the pitch is behaving and then go for big shots. This way your calculative risks will make others to follow, play even better.
For team India my advise is to bat first in every game they play as team India’s bowling is the best.
Khalid M Raza
