Sport - Cricket

New dimension to the Irani Cup

VADODARA: Gary Kirsten’s presence — working with India captain Anil Kumble and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad to fine-tune preparations for the series against Australia — in the Rest of India camp as coach lends a new dimension to the Irani Cup. The South African’s task will be to assess the form of players in his shortlist for the Test series. “We have had our ups and downs as the Indian team, we are aware of it,” said Kirsten, referring to the recent away series against Sri Lanka. “This Indian team plays well against Australia, so if we can just fire in all departments, the series will turn into a highly competitive one.”

Kumble asserts that having the national coach for the Irani Cup has not changed the nature of preparations in any way. “The preparation is no different, except that this time it is the Indian team playing as Rest of India, except for a few playing against us. There are still 15 days to go for the first Test. A process is in place and this match is part of the process,” observed the Indian skipper, describing the Irani Cup as the ultimate title in domestic competition.

He is aware of Sehwag’s enormous appetite for runs and the danger to Rest bowlers’ morale in case Gautam Gambhir continues to dominate the crease for Delhi. “I would like to see Sehwag and Gambhir fire against the Australians rather than us. I hope the law of averages catches up with these in-form batsmen,” Kumble said. — Special Correspondent

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