At this time, Sri Lanka are the clear favorites to qualify for the Finals of this CB Series ahead of India. All their batsmen starting Jayawardene, Dilshan, Sangakara, Chandimal, Thirumanne are in top form and then the long handles of Mathews and Perera are proving hyper effective towards the end. If not for the genius of Kohli on Tuesday, the bowling of Malingas, Kulesekaras and Heraths & astute of Jayawardene has delivered the goods thus far. It is surely advantage Sri Lanka. Being an emblematic Indian Fan could not resist the temptation of visualizing India playing Finals.
If India Makes It by virtue of destiny...
Luckily it is a best of 3 finals that provides a fair chance for both teams to bounce back in the event of an off day. For India, this is a God send opportunity to redeem their image that is mostly tarnished by ego battles, pitiable performances, injury breakdowns, player failures and finally some gravity defying cricket both on and off the field. Let the bygones be bygones. For once, the team is required to stay united, be collective in thought and importantly ride on the success of Kohli for the Road to Glory.
India should continue to field the best available XI on paper. Ideally the one, the Captain is comfortable with. In all likelihood, I guess the following XI will start the best of 3 finals.
Sehwag, Tendulkar, Gambir, Kohli, Raina, Dhoni, Jadeja, Pathan, Ashwin, Zaheer, Umesh Yadav.
Irfan Pathan should claim his place on merit and India will have to ponder between Praveen Kumar or Vinay Kumar only if Zaheer is deemed unfit or Umesh Yadav is perceived touch expensive. I’m sure Yadav should and will play. Playing the best possible team alone does not guarantee wins against Team like Australia. It would be good idea if India mix it up with unexpected moves to fox the Australians.
I’m just exploring what could be done out of the blues to stump the Kangaroos. India’s success is largely dependent on the players in form such as Gambir, Kohli, Dhoni, Ashwin, Yadav and Irfan Pathan. Optimum utilization of these resources is likely to reap more rewards. In other words, Sehwag’s form is currently worrying. But, axing him is not the solution to the puzzle. After all, his meager presence in the side creates nightmare in the opposition camp is undeniable truth. I personally think it would be a good idea to open with Tendulkar & Gambir, Kohli at No.3, Dhoni at No.4 and play Sehwag at No.5. This way, India has two level headed batsmen at the top, then the man in form to bat at the most opportune position and then Dhoni to bridge Top and Middle Order. This will largely reduce the pressure on Sehwag and still give him the batting power play to do his pyrotechnics.
As for the bowling is concerned, it will be wise to operate new ball with Yadav and Irfan, while Zaheer and Ashwin should come first change/bowling power play. Use of Yadav with new ball could potentially push Aussies on the back foot, while Irfan Pathan swing could come handy at the top.
Bottom Line: Still shamelessly keeping fingers crossed to pass the first hurdle.
Dinesh
Cricket Lover
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