Sport - Cricket

Mongia has the makings of an all-rounder

India's victory over Zimbabwe at Mohali was indeed convincing, but I felt the host could have done better.

I liked the way India batted. It was good to see India pile up a massive total, but the point I would like to make here is that had it paced its innings better, India could well have taken it further.

When the opportunity comes along, one should make full use of it. The setting was perfect for India, a weak opponent to boot, and it could have well pushed harder.

It was pleasing to see contributions being made down the order and partnerships forged. Partnerships, as we know, is the life-blood of batting; there were several good ones by the Indians the other day and the host, for a change, did not feel the absence of Sachin Tendulkar.

India's scoring-rate was six-plus right from the start, the final tally being 319 for six. But the total seemed threatened when Alistair Campbell and Travis Friend looked in complete command in their 134-run second-wicket stand.

In professional sport, one doesn't give the opposition room for even an outside chance. India shouldn't have either.

I'm happy to see Sourav Ganguly back in his run- scoring ways. He has been under tremendous pressure for his failures with the bat, that also led to criticisms about him being at the helm. The only way Ganguly can win back everyone's confidence is through his bat.

Ganguly also needs to put some more effort into his fielding. Being slow it OK to a point, but one certainly has to be safe. As captain, he needs to lead by example.

Harbhajan Singh picked up the crucial wickets of both Campbell and Friend. The youngster has adjusted well to the demands of limited-overs cricket. The sardar is a fighter and a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. India should handle him with care.

Now then to Dinesh Mongia, who, if guided properly, could well be the all-rounder the team is looking for.

I like his approach to the game. Though I don't advocate his opening the innings, I admire the manner in which he has taken up the challenge. He fields well, bats really well and his slow left-arm spin, with which he turned the second one-dayer India's way along with Harbhajan Singh, is more than useful. I'm sure he's here to stay for a long time.

India should use this emphatic victory as a springboard to wrap up the series, and possibly to greater successes.

-By K. SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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