Reality Check

M S Dhoni (capt & wk), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Virat Kohli, Varun Aaron, Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Sharma

Indian selectors present a full strength Test squad for the home series against a meek West Indies outfit. Considering the hectic schedule Indian players just finished and the grind ahead, I personally anticipated India to take it easy against West Indies. But, it is interesting to see India wish to take no opposition lightly even at home.

More than happy to see our super stars in action, I’m forced to ask WHY, especially when India challenged the same opposition with a largely inferior unit only few months ago on their tour to Caribbean. Here are some WHYs.

Is India fielding a full squad because all the stars are available and roaring to go?

Is this the CHANCE availed to crucify a depleted side so as to redeem some points to improve the Test Rankings?

Is it because the REVENGE series witnessed empty stands, a lame gimmick attempted by the board to bring back audience to the stadium?

Is it because Indian cricketers are more involved in the short formats, here is an opportunity taken to get the players acquainted to Tests prior the series Down Under?

Is it a REALITY CHECK to verify if the beloved icons still have it in them to play sessions which they failed in the series at West Indies & England?

Is this an opportunity to get rid of the monkey from Sachin’s head so as he don’t have the pressure of 100^th ton in Australia?

Finally, is this a litmus TEST to the Indian Cricket Fan who still manage to survive?

So many questions pop but no answers yet. As a reader if you already have kindly share your piece of wisdom.

In midst of all this perplexity there is something I truly appreciate about this selection. For once there is “NO” NOT SO SURE FIT ZAK to lead the pack only to break down in the middle of the series or the valor of TURBANATOR to execute an already executed West Indies. Last but not the least, Suresh Raina and Praveen Kumar are rewarded the most needed break of their life and the media report the duo being dropped and not rested for the overload they managed all along.

Now that the team is announced, time to move on rather brood over whys. It’s been ages India played 5 bowlers in a Test match. Considering the wickets in this series to be on the dry side and opposition not tough either, I will be excited to see India play Ishanth Sharma, Yadav/Aaron, Ashwin, Ojha and Rahul Sharma in the XI while scoring is left to 5 batsman only with Dhoni coming at 6 filling the role of all rounder. That would mean there would be no faceoff between Kohli and Yuvraj for a spot rather both benched to watch asli cricket. Though the scenario presented is ideal for Indian cricket, it can only turn true in dreams.

In reality India will chose to play 6 batsman and 4 bowlers ideally keeping the faceoff alive between Yuvraj and Kohli for a place in the XI, while Ojha and Rahul Sharma to fight out for the role of second spinner to accompany Ashwin. Though the XI is unsure at this time, one of the following two probabilities is certain to come true. If Yuvraj plays Rahul Sharma plays, If Kohli plays Ojha plays. I’m curious as you to know which combo is played and which combo is benched.

Bottom line: Since Delhi being the venue for first test and hometown for Kohli boy, does he have the charisma to bench Yuvi-Sharma combo? Anyways, India will sweep the series 3-0 unless weather intervenes.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover