Category: Cricket

SL is struggling and India under Dravid seems to be on a roll. Greg Chappell’s overall strategy seems to be producing results. I have been a Ganguly admirer over the years, but I must admit that getting rid of Ganguly certainly seems to have opened the flood gates of India’s talent pool. Rahul Dravid’s consistency and his lack of rigidness when it comes to the batting order seems to have played a big part in this revival of Indian cricket. Ganguly’s insistence on batting at number three pretty much everytime coupled with his poor form seems to have been the bottleneck.

In any case, its too soon to discard Ganguly completely and praise Dravid to the skies. But for now, it certainly looks like a new beginning for Indian cricket with an optimistic future.

Boy, what an explosive knock! It is terrific to see India send Dhoni at number 3 when most needed. After keeping for 50 overs and then returning to slam 183 not out, Dhoni played virtually for the entire day. This speaks highly of Dhoni’s stamina (he has the energy to whack 10 sixes!) apart from his impressive abilities as a batsman. Dinesh Karthick should be really worried about his Test slot. He hasn’t done much in the domestic matches either.

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.

The Indian team under Dravid-Chappell appears to have decided on an experimentation strategy. ie., try out the talent at hand and eventually pick the best for the world cup. In theory, this is most welcome and admirable. But how do you explain the continued mysterious use of Agarkar in the team while Sreesanth a hot recent talent is relegated to the bench after one match? We all know what Agarkar is capable off. The Indian batting is currently at its best. So India doesn’t really depend on Agarkar’s batting skills. Then why bother with him?

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?

It was good to see that the selectors retained the same team for the next three ODIs. There was really no need to bring Ganguly back in a hurry. The decision to not recall Ganguly does however imply that Greg Chappell has a strong hold over the team, the selection and the overall process. So chances of Ganguly returning in the near term for ODIs is looking pretty bleak at this point.

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.

The India team seems to be on a roll. Sachin is back with a vengence. His stroke play is simply superb. The paddle shot to Vaas is simply out of this world. He played this delightful shot in both matches so far. He certainly seems to have a plan (similar to the one against Warne when he came to India in 2002) to attack Muralitharan from the start. It should be an interesting tussle in the matches ahead. Hope he can continue his good form.

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.

There has been plenty of speculation (rightfully so) about Dada’s return for the third ODI. I have been a fan of Ganguly’s captaincy, but since he is not coming back as captain and there is so much of talent to choose from (among other reasons), I think he should be given a rest. It would be really sad if the selectors dump one of the youngsters (Venu, Raina, Gambhir) to bring Dada back.

Dravid has made a terrific start the series –Man of the match, superb innings, win by a biggest margin in a long time. Bringing back Ganguly will limit Dravid’s choices in team selection (I can’t imagine Dravid not having Ganguly in the playing 11) and unnecessarily create tensions. Its a great opportunity for the team under a new captain, and an overbearing but completely in-charge coach to come together to form a winning unit.

The long break has done Sachin a world of good. He was on a roll like the long lost Sachin of yore! Ganguly could certainly benefit by playing some domestic cricket to regain his form. After all he has a tennis elbow problem too! 🙂

What about Kaif? Who gets the boot to make room for him? If you ask me he should be given a rest too and eventually brought in place of Yuvraj if he continues to fail.

Its great to see a state team pull off a victory against the visitors. Jaysaurya retired hurt and Murali was rested. Nevertheless, hats off to the MCA XI.

V. Mane touted as the next Sachin (can’t remember who said this) came good as did the other youngsters in the team, which is great news.