With a hat-trick of victories, Rahul Dravid’s team India seems to be on a roll. Two of SL’s four key players seem to have really regained their form with this ODI. But with a decent total in this ODI, SL might be on its way to finding its form.
Month: October 2005
Dropping Sreesanth makes no sense
Experiment with Sreesanth instead. Dropping him after 5 overs in the first ODI makes no sense whatsoever. I guess we have another product of the infamous quota system (e.g., Tinu Yohanan) in the making?
South Africa: 13 ODI victrories & counting
South Africa completed its 13th straight victory in ODIs. Hats off to Graeme Smith! For someone who was a complete unknown until a few years back, this guy has really delivered for SF. Not to mention, he was chosen to lead the World XI.
Ganguly dumped for now
Kiran More (selection committee chairman) said, “We have enough options at the moment and are looking to have a pool of 22 players from whom we can pick the final World Cup squad.” (Chappell had said earlier that he had identified about 18 players to represent India, I can’t recall the exact interview). Notice that Chappell issued a statement prior to the first ODI that Sreesanth would open the bowling and he sure did. This is quite in contrast to his earlier statements that the “captain is the boss” once the match starts. Its just a sign of Chappell’s growing influence and control.
There is a clear sign of change. So far its working well (thanks to the return of Sachin of course) and hopefully it will continue.
p.s: Coach Greg Chappell, captain Rahul Dravid and physio John Gloster attended the selection meeting.
Second ODI: India thrash SL
For once, JP Yadav got his full quota of overs. If he can firm up the all rounder spot, one of India’s main issues with the team composition will be solved. I thought it was crazy to drop Sreesanth after one match especially on a pitch like Mohali.
The Middle East just got messier
And now Iran’s Ahmadinejad just confirmed that Iran could go to any lengths. I think he is completely crazy to make an open statement about Israel like he did. This is bound to accelerate tensions. Ahmadinejad and our Neocons in Washington are bound to make this concoction of crises into a global nightmare.
Harriet Miers withdrawal of candidacy
He has two options: make peace with his Democratic opposition and pick a moderate candidate (and piss off his conservative base) or pacify his base by picking a right wing activist as the next nominee (and piss of the opposition). Either path is wrought with its own perils.
Meanwhile, the umpire’s decision is due on Rove and Libby. Finally, the boring speeches about spreading freedom will come to a stop at least temporarily as Bush and co. are forced on to the backfoot.
India’s aid to Pak
Check out this news about India’s offer of $25M in aid to Pak. Hope moves like this help the peace process.
Thank god Advani is not in charge of the Govt. or there would have been another crisis in the BJP!
Richard Clarke is back with a new novel!
Remember Richard Clarke, the guy from the National Security Council who came out with a book that accused the Bush administration of negligence that resulted in 9-11? He is now into fiction writing! Check out his new book.
Sounds like he is putting his retirement to good use. It was not very long back (last year?) that his previous book was released and generated a lot of press (given its controversial nature). A second book in such a short time is quite an accomplishment (or he has a team of full time ghost writers!) .
First ODI: Ind vs SL
Apart from the fact that India won in style, here are a few aspects of the Indian approach that were interesting, impressive and bode well for the future.
1. Pathan at number 3: Its a move that worked. I just hope they don’t send him in at number 3 in every match. Remember India did the same with Agarkar a while back?
2. Yuvraj coming in ahead of Dravid: This was a very good sign of Dravid’s flexibility (or Chappell’s control).
3. Sreesanth’s return at the end: He wrapped up the tail and ended up with two wickets on debut. Great move to encourage the youngster. Hope he doesn’t become another Tinu Yohanan.
4. Dhoni as the finisher: This guy is the perfect fit for the last 10-15 overs. He has the ability to provide the momentum at the end. I am glad they have not made him a permanent number 3 after his performance against the Pak.
5. Last but not the least, Sachin is back in full form!
Overall, its great to see India experimenting with the talent at hand. I hope Venu and JP Yadav are given some good exposure to prove themselves as well.
I suspect that if Viru fails to get a big innings soon, he will be tried in the middle order.