Who can solve India’s ODI finisher problem?

India walked into Raipur with a dream platform in one-day cricket. Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad flowed together beautifully, crafting a 195-run partnership that took India to 284 for 3 in the 39th over. The surface was true, the opposition weary, and 370 looked well within reach. Then the momentum vanished.

Both set batters departed in quick succession, and India’s innings lost its composure. What followed was another reminder of the long-standing concern through this ODI series against South Africa: the lack of a dependable finisher. From that point, India added only 74 runs in the final 11 overs — a phase that usually separates dominant totals from moderate ones.

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KL Rahul tried to drag the innings forward with his 66 off 43, but the support he needed never arrived. Without Hardik Pandya and with Axar Patel rested, the finishing responsibility fell to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Washington managed just one run from eight deliveries, Jadeja struggled to accelerate and ended with 24 off 27, and India could muster only 41 runs in the last five overs. Questions began surfacing online even before the innings concluded.

India’s top order continues to shoulder the bulk of the scoring, but Raipur underlined the gulf between those who build the platform and those expected to finish the job. Rahul’s form offers hope, yet he cannot carry the end overs alone.

With a packed calendar and a World Cup cycle looming, India must urgently re-examine the finisher’s slot — not as a bonus option, but as a necessity. In modern ODIs, the final phase dictates momentum, defines totals, and often decides matches.

Here are five players who could fill that role with consistent backing:

Axar Patel

His ODI numbers with average of 23 and strike rate below 92 don’t reflect his recent evolution. In IPL 2025, Axar struck at 157.49 while handling pressure situations with maturity. More assured and more aggressive than earlier in his career, he remains a strong candidate for a finishing role.

Shivam Dube

Few domestic batters strike the ball as powerfully. His CSK resurgence saw him maintain a strike rate above 150 for three consecutive IPL seasons. Dube dominates spin, handles pace, and carries the muscle needed for No. 6 in ODIs.

Rishabh Pant

His comeback has been one of cricket’s great stories. With an ODI average over 33 and strike rate above 106, Pant thrives in chaos — exactly what the lower middle order often demands. Even with Rahul as keeper, Pant’s unpredictability and fearless intent make him a natural finisher.

Rinku Singh

Perhaps the most obvious choice for a modern finisher. Calm under pressure, ruthless at the death, and unafraid to chase boundaries late. Though he has just two ODI innings, he has already shown promise with a strike rate of 134.14. His temperament could be the defining factor.

Riyan Parag

A rising voice in domestic cricket, Parag averages 41 with a strike rate of 104.06 in List A matches — numbers that signal readiness for ODIs. His range and confidence have grown, and while he has played only one ODI, the tools for long-term success are visible.

India’s opening and middle order will continue producing runs — they’re too skilled not to. But Raipur was the latest reminder that in today’s ODI landscape, success requires strength at the finish, not just brilliance at the start.

Whether India invest in experience, youth, or a blend of both, one truth is undeniable that a real finisher is no longer optional — it is essential.