Posts
After having won the first test match in the on-going Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the focus now shifts to Hyderabad, the venue of the second test match, commencing on 02 March, 2013.
Though Team India had a convincing victory at Chennai, they still have quite a few problems on hand.
The opening combination of the seasoned Virendra Sehwag and the Chennai local lad, Murali Vijay failed to give good 'starts' in both the innings in the first test.
Virendra Sehwag, particularly has not been having 'good time' with the bat. He should, in fact, avail each and every playing opportunity that comes his way and try to get back to the 'run making' ways. Sehwag lost a good opportunity in opting NOT to play the Irani Cup, prior to the Chennai test, under one pretext or the other.
It would be worthwhile to note that at the back of a dismal test series against England, not too long ago, it is absolutely essential that Team India go on to win the current series against Australia and win it convincingly, preferably 4-0.
Going into the second test,Team India skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has a lot of thinking to do.
Looking back at the Chennai test match, one thought that the so-called 'body language' of Virendra Sehwag was 'a shade' suspect. Given the fact, that being an experienced and a senior player, Sehwag did not apply himself and appeared to have played 'lazy' shots, literally 'giving away' his wicket in both the innings.
Murali Vijay also failed to take-off, inspite of playing in his home-ground. There could not have been a better situation/occassion to show-case his talent. A great opportunity lost by Vijay.
Shkhar Dhawan is in good form, having had a good Ranji Trophy season. It is just about time that he be given an opportunity to play at the top level. This will also be a move forward in 'building' the team with the grueling South Africa tour in mind.
Ajinkya Rahane has opened the innings in the shorter version of the game and handling the new ball would be no issue. Having been in the squad for a reasonable period of time, it is just and equitable that Rahane gets a look-in.
The problem with the opening combination needs to be sorted out so that the team gets a good start and the middle order can go on building on that.
It is definitely not going to be an 'everyday' or an 'every match' affair that Mahendra Singh Dhoni would go on to bat, the way he did in Chennai.
Hence it is absolutely essential that the 'openers' fire and give a good platform for the middle order to consolidate.
K Subramanian
28 February 2013
Though Team India had a convincing victory at Chennai, they still have quite a few problems on hand.
The opening combination of the seasoned Virendra Sehwag and the Chennai local lad, Murali Vijay failed to give good 'starts' in both the innings in the first test.
Virendra Sehwag, particularly has not been having 'good time' with the bat. He should, in fact, avail each and every playing opportunity that comes his way and try to get back to the 'run making' ways. Sehwag lost a good opportunity in opting NOT to play the Irani Cup, prior to the Chennai test, under one pretext or the other.
It would be worthwhile to note that at the back of a dismal test series against England, not too long ago, it is absolutely essential that Team India go on to win the current series against Australia and win it convincingly, preferably 4-0.
Going into the second test,Team India skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has a lot of thinking to do.
- Should he persist with the opening combination of Virendra Sehwag and Murali Vijay?
- Should he rest either Sehwag or Vijay and bring in Shikhar Dhawan, who is in the squad as the 'third' opener?
- Should he opt for drafting Ajinkya Rahane in the Playing XI, to partner either Sehwag or Vijay, even though Rahane is in the squad as a 'middle order' batsman?
Looking back at the Chennai test match, one thought that the so-called 'body language' of Virendra Sehwag was 'a shade' suspect. Given the fact, that being an experienced and a senior player, Sehwag did not apply himself and appeared to have played 'lazy' shots, literally 'giving away' his wicket in both the innings.
Murali Vijay also failed to take-off, inspite of playing in his home-ground. There could not have been a better situation/occassion to show-case his talent. A great opportunity lost by Vijay.
Shkhar Dhawan is in good form, having had a good Ranji Trophy season. It is just about time that he be given an opportunity to play at the top level. This will also be a move forward in 'building' the team with the grueling South Africa tour in mind.
Ajinkya Rahane has opened the innings in the shorter version of the game and handling the new ball would be no issue. Having been in the squad for a reasonable period of time, it is just and equitable that Rahane gets a look-in.
The problem with the opening combination needs to be sorted out so that the team gets a good start and the middle order can go on building on that.
It is definitely not going to be an 'everyday' or an 'every match' affair that Mahendra Singh Dhoni would go on to bat, the way he did in Chennai.
Hence it is absolutely essential that the 'openers' fire and give a good platform for the middle order to consolidate.
K Subramanian
28 February 2013
I agree with you SK. I personally feel Sehwag should make room for Rahane or Shikar Dhawan both of whom are in fine nick. And Pragyan Ojha should come in in place of Harbhajan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ramda......it is highly unlikely that Dhoni would want to tinker with winning combination. The team might just want to give Sehwag one more opportunity to strike form. Moreover it would be difficult not to have Sehwag in the Playing XI, if he is in the squad. Possibly one more opportunity might be coming Sehwag's way........!
Delete