Sports India

As always there’s plenty of speculation ahead of the selection meeting on Thursday to pick the Indian team for the tri-series in Sri Lanka.

The selectors need to keep an eye out for the World Cup, which is why they might bring back Anil Kumble and stick with the out-of-form Irfan Pathan.

Sachin Tendulkar’s return to the Indian cricket team also creates more problems for the Indian team management, which is already facing an embarrassment of riches. This was till recently only limited to the bowling department.

“I think if we play four bowlers, then Powar will sit out and if we go with five bowlers, including three spinners necessary for Lankan conditions, then Raina will have to sit out,” said Ajay Jadeja, Former India Captain.

Tendulkar factor

Sachin is an automatic selection as an opener despite his rather indifferent form lately. He has averaged 34 in his last 20 one-day innings, which included two centuries - both against Pakistan.

However, the worrying factor is that 10 of his last 20 innings have been single digit scores.

However, most experts certainly believe in the age-old cliché of class being permanent, which is why the under fire Irfan Pathan also has many admirers who want him to stay in the one-day team despite the dip in his bowling performance.

“Five batsmen and four bowlers is a balanced side. Irfan will come back surely,” said Surinder Khanna, Former India Cricketer.

Recalling Kumble?

Anil Kumble, meanwhile, could well have his stint in county cricket cut short. There are several indications that he will be recalled to the one-day side after being out for exactly a year.

“Anil is a great bowler and he should start playing one-day cricket now. But even if he doesn’t play and the team management decides to try some youngsters, he should definitely play in the World Cup because of the suitable conditions,” said Madan Lal, Former India Cricketer, Coach and Selector.

Too many players fighting for a spot in the team is one happy problem that the Indian skipper Rahul Dravid loves to have.

However, with the Men in Blue playing over 15 ODIs in the next six months, leading up to the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, the Indian team think-tank will be hoping to get a permanent solution to all of its problems, including the opening slot.