The whole India must have been shocked by the selectors call to retain the same 15 for the third Test. The selection reflected one of cricket’s popular commentary line “Not a muscle moved”.
Underneath this move, I could sense a bigger motive. Announcing the squad only for the third test sounds like a warning bell. If we (I) interpret this correct: If the squad DELIVERS (by the way, nothing less than a win is counted as delivery) they STAY, else wholesale change to sweep Indian Cricket. Based on this assumption, I’m making this write up. I would say the following write up is more of an imagination based on my cravings.
What are the odds for the current squad to succeed in the third test?
Since we (I) made it clear that nothing short of win is considered a delivery, a result oriented surface will be produced at Kolkata. Which means it cannot be a flat batting deck or a bouncy track. That means we are expecting another square turner at Kolkata.
If the wicket is a square turner, two things should go in India’s favor.
· The Toss
· Failure of Cook & Pieterson
Toss is more of luck factor, but the odds are good for the duo’s failure. The probabilities are equally good that the duo can carry on the momentum and possibly rub their success to the rest of their mates. What we are looking here is a gamble to work in favor of India more than a strategy. This is definitely a double edged sword than anything else.
If we look at the same issue from Indian player’s perspective, only Pujara, Ashwin and possibly Gambir are in form (with bat). The remaining players as Sehwag (Hit or Miss), Tendulkar, Kohli, Yuvraj and Dhoni may be off color or lack the temperament to bat sessions. In the bowling front Ojha appears to be the only hope. If we take all this into account, India’s freefall look bright.
So let us continue with the assumption that India’s failure is imminent. In that case, what is the roadmap?
It will all start with the captaincy. Dhoni is a goner from power. Gambir and Sehwag are not the options anymore. The name that occupies everyone’s mind for the post is Kohli. I would have said the same too until few days ago. But now, I feel, why not Pujara? He is a definite starter in Indian Test line up for many years. He is already captaining India A or any domestic side he features. He gives the selectors an option to explore multi-captaincy theory for different formats. In my books, he is equally strong candidate alongside Kohli to lead India. Even otherwise, he is likely to be named deputy to Kohli. Kohli-Pujara pair is sure to turn as good as Ganguly-Dravid pair for India.
So who’s out?
Harbhajan Singh, Dhoni, Gambir, Zaheer Khan are sure exits. Yuvraj may or may not. His exit is largely dependent on his performance in the 3rd Test. Tendulkar will be out only if he announces his retirement. We will know if he will announce his retirement at the end of 3rd test.
Who stays?
Sehwag, Ashwin, Ojha, Pujara, Kohli, Ishanth Sharma, Umesh Yadav
Who’s in?
Rahane, Unmukt Chand, Saha, Harmeet Singh, Irfan Pathan, Badrinath, Kaif. Kaif’s re-entry is dependent on Yuvraj’s exit.
A possible Indian line up for the series against Austraila.
Rahane, Chand, Pujara*, Sehwag, Kohli, Yuvraj/Kaif, Saha, Ashwin, Irfan Pathan, Ojha, Yadav (Badrinath, Vijay, Tiwary, Ishanth Sharma, Harmeet Singh will complete rest of the squad)
Tendulkar farewell will happen by the end of England series. Before he leaves, he will have the final say on the future Captain of Indian Cricket.
Bottom line: What is wrong in day dreaming?
Dinesh
Cricket Lover
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