4/15/2005

Can India square the ODI series ?

I guess I was wrong before. The way Team India seems dependent on Viru and Dravid, I wont be surprised if Pakistan finishes 4-2 in the ODIs. Sachin, Yuvraj and Kaif getting odd runs in one may be two ODIs calls for their inconsistency of form and irresponsible attitude while "Dada" - Ganguly is consistently out of form in both versions of cricket. Theres been a lot of shuffling with the bowlers too, be it the pacers or the spinners, which hinders their confidence as they'll be always under the impression of sitting out in the following match. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the only success as for Ganguly is concerned. Sending him up to No 3 and believing in him proved to be a successful gamble. Recently its always been the case that the match where Sachin gets a century, India normally ends up losing it. The same was true in Hydrabad. I would be very interested in the statistics of Sachin's 38 matches where he scored hundred or more runs.
If India are to square the ODI series (3-3), they have to be firing all guns. The middle order has to step up and provide quick runs and also consolidating simultaneously. If Viru or Dhoni doesnt fire that shouldnt mean that India will not put up a formidable total. The bowlers have to be disciplined and bowl the right lenghth and line. Its a team game afterall, and everyone has to step up to save the sinking ship here. Dravid might not be as clever a captain as Ganguly, but never the less he has enough in his think tank to take India through. I dont really think Dinesh Mongia was the right choice to rplace Ganguly, given Laxman is in good form and he can play shots too. I would send Viru and Laxman to open the innings for India and bring Sachin in No 3 or 4 depending on the situation. Dravid is a solid batsman in any position and with the captain's hat on he will not mind coming in at No 4 or 5. Lets see what is in store for us in New Delhi. Good Luck Team India.

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