Same old story for India

Once again the Indians missed out on a superb chance to seize the initiative. This time, due to faulty team selection.

On a green, seaming wicket, and under overcast conditions, not to forget the wind factor, the Indians actually went into the crucial second Test with just two pacemen!

It was absurd really, and defeated the very purpose of putting the opposition in. The result was that the South Africans, who lost the experienced Gary Kirsten early on, managed to wriggle out of a potentially threatening situation before the Indians struck back somewhat in the last session.

These days, there appears to be no clarity of thought in the decisions of the Indian think-tank, no clear strategy. Visible in its methods is a streak of negative thinking.

In cricket, or for that matter any sport, it becomes necessary to take calculated risks, and dropping senior leggie Anil Kumble from the eleven would have been the right move.

The Indians often talk about the `horses for courses' policy, but seldom practise it. Kumble is the highest wicket- taker in the side, and his contribution to Indian cricket is immense, yet he doesn't quite fit into the scheme of things for this particular match.

The need of the hour was courage on the part of the team- management. But it clearly left everyone disappointed.

Javagal Srinath operated quite beautifully early on, bowling the right length and direction, but the lack of a third paceman meant the Indians could not keep the pressure on.

When Kumble was introduced, the South Africans played him like a medium paced inswing bowler, and Venkatesh Prasad was sorely missed. This brings us to another baffling question.

Why pick Prasad at all in the team, if the team- management doesn't have the confidence to play him in these conditions? Indeed, the Karnataka paceman has received a raw deal on this South African campaign.

He was the highest wicket-taker in Tests for India during the tour of Sri Lanka this year, yet in conditions that should suit his kind of bowling more, he finds himself ignored.

Prasad, a genuine seam bowler with the ability to move the ball more than any of the other Indian pacemen, would have complemented Srinath well for sure. Instead, he watched the proceedings from the dressing room.

Kumble disappointed, but Harbhajan, less dependent on the conditions, did make his presence felt, even putting a quality player like Kallis in two minds. The Sardar has added teeth to the Indian attack.

Finally to opener Gibbs' strokeful hundred. He is indeed on a roll these days, and his attacking methods have left the Indians rattled.

It has been noticed over the years, that when the Indian bowlers run into a batsman who adopts aggressive tactics, they run out of ideas.

However, all credit to Gibbs for a brilliant effort that could have significant bearing on this Test.

By K. SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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Section  : Sport
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