India’s Colombo caper
India must firstly win back the respect of other cricketing nations. The downward slide on the cricketing ladder has raised questions whether India are really a top cricketing nation.
India will be seeking an uplift in their cricketing fortunes in all varieties of the game as a new season gets underway in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan mission will be a big test. In familiar conditions and with a full strength side, India will have to strike the right notes to undo the wrongs of the days gone by.
It is hoped that the long break would have cleared the minds of the players.
With the distractions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) now out of the way and the money bags safely secured, the time for real business begins over a crowded calendar.
India must firstly win back the respect of other cricketing nations. The downward slide on the cricketing ladder has raised questions whether India are really a top cricketing nation.
There is no doubt that India are among the best in the world. But to be at the top, a proper mindset and mastering all aspects of the game is essential.
The fitness of the players will come into question after this break. With many of the star players now on the wrong side of 30, their ability to last out the busy schedule will be under scrutiny.
Fielding will be in focus. Many of the ageing stars have not really credited themselves in the field recently.
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be keeping his fingers crossed that the players have used to break to get fitter.
Sri Lanka will be no pushovers. They have been improving steadily under the astute captaincy of Mahela Jayawardene.
The struggles of the recent past seem to have disappeared. The top order has been firing and the lower middle-order contributing handsomely.
All-rounder Thisara Perera will be the man to watch. He struck a rich vein of form with both ball and bat against Pakistan. The only problem for Sri Lanka is that they experiment too much with the squad and this may work to India’s benefit.
The Sri Lankan bowling attack is strong, particular the faster variety.
Lasith Malinga poses the biggest threat. He is a fine bowler whose round arm action slings in deadly yorkers. The Lankan paceman is a bit out of form which can be capitalised upon.
However, Nuwan Kulasekara troubled the Pakistan batsmen recently and is on top of his game. Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka’s spin option, is clever, miserly and bowling at its best.
India’s batting line-up both and the top and the middle is very strong. If the rustiness of the break rubs out, then Sri Lanka will be in for it.
It will be interesting to watch the progress of Ajinkya Rahane and Manoj Tiwary and hopefully one if not both will get a chance.
Rahane did well in the IPL and if he succeeds, it will be good for India’s future not only in ODIs but also Tests.
Irfan Pathan gets another chance to prove his credentials. He is showing improvement with the ball. But where is that pace which made him so deadly at the start of his career?
Spinners Pragyan Ojha and Rahul Sharma can also establish themselves. And the Sri Lankan pitches will offer them some spin. India’s Captain Cool is sure to turn on the heat on Sri Lanka, Rain Gods willing. There is so much at stake for Indian cricket.
Pak series schedule will be tough: Dhoni
Chennai: Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said that the short series against Pakistan later this year would be a bit tough for the players because of the hectic schedule but added that they would have to be ready and do well against their arch-rivals. Asked about the three ODI and two Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan in December-January, Dhoni said, “We are professional cricketers. The series will have to be played and we have to get ready for it. Sentiment does not play any part since we are taught to be professionals on field. It will be a bit tough because of the hectic schedule but we have to do well against Pakistan also,” he said.
Dispute settled
Colombo: Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene admitted that the central contracts dispute with their cricket board has been amicably settled. “We were able to settle the matter very satisfactorily. Contracts will be signed tomorrow,” Jayawardene stated. He said the dispute was over a few minor matters.
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