Rebuilding time for India

As another season begins, the Indian team faces a stiff challenge in the form of the ICC Knock-out Trophy in Nairobi. And if Sourav Ganguly's men perform well, they would have made a wonderful start.

To put it simply, this should also be the `rebuilding season.' We just cannot afford to miss out on another opportunity to groom the youngsters.

Let's take a look at the composition of the present team. It is very clear that one half of the side has the average match experience of 150-plus games, while the other hardly has any. This reveals that we have failed to blood the youngsters in a balanced manner.

Now that some of them have received their chances, let's hope they get a decent run at the international level, and are not dumped without a fair trial as it has happened so often in the past.

After the ICC Trophy, India takes on Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, not exactly strong opposition, and the youngsters should be allowed to have a go.

Coming to the immediate assignment in the Kenya capital, it goes without saying that the team's fortunes hinge on the two men at the very top of the order - Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

In a way it is sad that there is so much pressure on these two gifted cricketers time and again.

And this, as it has been often written before, doesn't augur well for the team.

There are other weaknesses in the side. There is hardly any batting after No. 6, and a long tail is something no outfit can afford in the one-day variety.

The absence of all-rounders is felt too. True, it would be difficult to produce another giant like Kapil Dev, but atleast we can unearth utility men like Madan Lal and Roger Binny, who played their part in the success India enjoyed during the 80s.

The bowling also lacks sting, an area where we desperately need some match-winners.

India should not have too many problems overcoming Kenya in the first match, but Australia would be a formidable rival in the following game.

The ideal scenario for India should be to bat first, run up a score of 280-plus with Ganguly and Sachin firing, and then put pressure on the Aussies. However, this is easier said than done.The need of the hour is innovative thinking from the think- tank.

On the selection of the team, one cannot but feel sorry for opener Sadagopan Ramesh, who has been shabbily treated. The Tamil Nadu left-hander has a wonderful record in Tests, has performed reasonably well in the one-dayers, and certainly deserves a place. In case of an injury to either Sachin or Sourav, Ramesh would have come in handy as a performing reserve opener.

K. SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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