“We had options for back-up openers, Yusuf and I were also spoken about. But Rohit was in good form in the IPL and has grabbed his chance with both hands”
MS was speaking on the options for opening in absence of Viru. Heavens gracious, he didn’t open. Just imagine what would have been the reaction if MS was opening. Flood gates would have been opened. He is reeled for coming at # 3, he is being accused of leaking the news and being arrogant with the media. He is now no more the captain kewl.
Rohit Sharma has been pretty decent with the opening spot in England. However he must soon realize that opening is not his cup of tea and its just that he is filling in for Viru in his absence. Ditto for DK. His first test comes today when he takes on his Deccan Chargers team mate Fidel Edwards (subject to play) in the first super 8 game India plays tonite against West Indies at Lord’s. Yes the same ground where 26 years ago India beat WI by 43 runs to win their World Cup.
India would have one challenge to stop Gayle, who has tormented them in the past since 2002 or even old since 1999. Remember the Singapore tri-series followed by Toronto 3 game series when Ganguly first time captained India. Another question India would need to find an answer to is the place of Irfan Pathan. He has been pathetic with the ball. If he opens the bowling today, Gayle is for sure to run away with game. May be Praveen Kumar would be an option to go with as he swings the ball and gets more wickets than Irfan does. Yeah India would lose a batting all-rounder, but then there is enough firepower in the batting department.
1 Perspectives:
Irfan bowling to Gayle IS the danger for India. Hard new ball and fielding restrictions make it easier to hit Irfan. In 2007 he bowled in the middle overs and took the pace off the ball, which suited him.
That may be a better idea, if at all he were to play.
PK for Irfan is not a bad idea, but PK has to pull his weight with the bat and bat like the UP Ranji One Dayers opener he is supposed to be. But as you said, there are enough batsmen for a 20 over game so in an ideal situation, his batting 'skills' should not be needed.
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