Sports India

On the road to the 2007 World Cup, every tournament presents an opportunity in itself to rectify the flaws. The Indians need to look at the bigger picture. Are they doing so?

It is clear that there are areas to improve upon for the Men in Blue following the 4-1 debacle in the Caribbean. The pacing of the innings was awry, the pacemen lacked discipline, and the fielding was not always seen in good light.

Worse, the Indians were found wanting in end-game skills. This is perhaps the most critical aspect of limited-overs cricket, where the difference between the leading teams has narrowed.

Of course, the setback in the West Indies should not be seen in isolation and India did enjoy some glorious moments earlier in the season at home and in Pakistan where it emerged as a vibrant, innovative and flexible unit under the Greg Chappell-Rahul Dravid combine.

Wake-up call

But then, the ODI campaign in the West Indies was a wake-up call and, perhaps, a timely one too for a side discovering itself.

Though the emphasis, for most part, has been on youth, the selectors have been sending mixed signals of late. The 29-year-old Dinesh Mongia, who makes a comeback for the tri-nation series in Colombo from August 14 to 29, is not exactly a young man.

Mongia’s experience in the middle-order, his handy left-arm spin, and his good form on the English county circuit, might have earned him a spot in the side, but someone like Robin Uthappa, who has displayed promise and potential, should consider himself unlucky to miss out.

An extra top-order batsman could have benefited the side more than an additional middle-order option, especially since Yuvraj Singh, like Mongia, can send down left-arm spinners.

Anil Kumble, India’s foremost bowler, does not find a place. If the selectors and the think-tank are planning to induct him in the squad for the World Cup, the ace leg-spinner should be given a run now so that he settles into a rhythm.

Kumble may be 35, but skipper Rahul Dravid might desperately require his services in crunch situations.

Economy rates

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh’s economy rate was a creditable 3.91 in the West Indies, but he picked up only three wickets in five matches. Ramesh Powar has the ability, not the experience.

India does have bowling worries. The pace bowlers, with the exception of Ajit Agarkar, were taken for runs by the West Indian batsmen. Irfan Pathan’s economy rate was a poor 5.59, Munaf Patel’s 5.80, and S. Sreesanth’s 5.47. And left-armer Rudra Pratap Singh has gone off the boil after the tour of Pakistan.

Worrying factor

Pathan’s slump in form is particularly worrying since India relies on him for early breakthroughs. Munaf and Sreesanth, men with pace, need to work on their reverse swing.

In the event, there was a strong case for the inclusion of Zaheer Khan, among the wickets on a regular basis in county cricket. R.P. Singh is lucky to keep his place.

Sachin Tendulkar, cleared by the fitness panel, should add a huge dose of confidence to the team. He commands respect in the side, contributes positively as a legend and a senior cricketer. Tendulkar should be opening the innings with Virender Sehwag, which suggests Dravid would get back to his role in the middle-order.

Lacking momentum

The Indian batting lacked momentum in the West Indies. Though Mohammed Kaif topped the averages with 51.25, his strike rate was a less than satisfactory 67.88. If M.S. Dhoni rediscovers his punishing ways, the Indian run-rate is bound to receive a fillip.

Sri Lanka would be a formidable opponent at home, and even a less than full strength South Africa might prove hard to beat. Chasing could be hazardous under lights at the Premadasa Stadium, where the pitch tends to slow down.

The dynamics of the game could be different in the day game at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, where there is likely to be early assistance for the pacemen.

Importantly, the Indians need to perform under pressure.