world news - 24.12.2002

India: Time to chop off the dead wood

There are less than two months for the World Cup to kick off in South Africa and most of the countries have already announced their probables so that the players can start preparing for the great event. However, it seems that our selection committee was waiting for the 1st Test in New Zealand to get over so that they could select the probables for the One Day International limited overs series there. What a paradox!

The other participating countries are now playing only the one-dayers as a prelude and practice for the World Cup whereas the Indians were struggling with finding an partner for Virender Sehwag and who would replace Ajit Agarkar or Ashish Nehra and what number Sachin Tendulkar should bat for the 2nd Test at Hamilton.

In all probability, the Indians would hit back and draw the series. Talentwise there is no doubt that our team is superior to the Kiwis and by now the Indians must have acclimaatised to the conditions and also learnt from their mistakes in the 1st Test.

The chances are that in the second Test, the Kiwis’ strategy on a green top wicket might boomerang on them. For that, we needed to have fielded first for our bowlers to take early advantage of the juice and the grass in the wicket and of course, bowl accurately. What is also needed is the determination and the will to stay on the wicket as shown by Rahul Dravid in the Wellington Test.

Anyway, come what may be the result, it’s not going to help the Indians in choosing the side and the preparation for the World Cup! Those who understand cricket will know what I mean.

Coming back to India’s chances in the World Cup, I think that with such batting depth they have a good chance of living upto the huge expectations. The World Cup team selects itself except one or two players. The big question for the selectors will be whether Javagal Srinath and VVS Laxman are due for replacement? Srinath can bowl his quota of ten overs but who would field for him for the remaining 40 overs! Also, for Laxman, how many chances does he require to cement his place for the ODI team? There are several talented youngsters who are vying for that slot in the middle order.

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