Opening slot - India's nagging problem

In the end, it was pretty close and, no matter the fact that India lost, I was impressed with the way the players fought against a spirited Lankan team in the Coca-Cola Triangular series on Sunday. But this must be small consolation to the fans and even to Sourav Ganguly and his boys. Most limited overs matches are won and lost on a few runs and this is all the more reason why defeat becomes rather painful.

The defeat once again brought to the fore the nagging problem facing Indian cricket, especially in one-day internationals - the opening slot. The trial and error method which is going on should stop, for this cannot be a long term solution. The problems start mounting the moment we lose wickets early and as a result pressure builds up.

At this juncture, a better move would be to call back the diminutive Shiv Sundar Das. The Orissa youngster could open with either Reetinder Singh Sodhi or Sameer Dighe. Yuveraj Singh can come lower down the order.

The move to drop Hemang Badani was, in my opinion, stupid. The youngster does not deserve such treatment. Frankly I was quite disappointed with his exclusion. Here was a player who was hailed as a batsman with the potential to make good in the international arena. He has scored three 50s and one century in one day internationals at an average of 37.54. He is not only a good one- day prospect but certainly one to consider for Tests also. The records speaks for themselves. Moreover, he has done well for India in pressure situations, and can be used as a change bowler also. Given that he is a good fielder, he would have surely made a difference. But that was not to be. Strange are the ways of the team management.

I was happy for Sourav Ganguly as he came good at last and I would prefer the captain to continue to come lower down the order in the forthcoming matches to maintain consistency.

This apart, I was pleased with the way with the way vice-captain Rahul Dravid played a sheet anchor role but it would have been a trifle better had he rotated the strike more. Given the conditions, Dravid's was a good knock. The Indians frittered away the opportunity to contain the Lankans when they were 154 for seven at one stage, giving away too many runs to the tail enders. This is where we lost. The situation would have not arisen had the Indians restricted the Lankans below 200. The Lankan medium pacers stuck to their tasks bowling to a good line and length.

One last world about the pitches. I fail to understand why one cannot prepare sporting wickets in the sub-continent. The ones in Sri Lanka for the Tri-nation series are everything but sporting.

The organisers should look into this and ensure the wickets are neutral so that one can witness fair contests.

K. SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : The moment of truth has arrived for Ganguly & Co.
Next     : Thorpe out of third Test