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Neighbor's Envy ? Yes
Owner's Pride ? Unfortunately Not !
India's World Cup Team has been announced. Some surprises never manage to surprise us. We know there will be surprises. We just have get ready to be surprised. Remember Sunil Valsan ? He has a distinction which even Sachin Tendulkar doesn't have. He was part of a World Cup winning team.
On every tour, we should carry a reservation candidate. Right now, Saha is the one in South Africa. Piyush Chawla it will be, for the WC-11. The OBC perhaps. How did he manage to get in there is a question only Srikkanth and Co will be able to answer.
Why does Sreesanth find himself out of favor and perpetually unfit and of late profligate Nehra retain his place is a big surprise too. No one grudges Munaf Patel's selection, but this team has at least 5 men in the 'wounded soldiers' list. Sachin, Sehwag, Gambhir, Praveen and Zaheer are the names. Do we have worthy replacements ? What will happen if 3 or 4 or all of them fail to recover ?
With Dhoni having more faith in any Tom, Dick and Harry compared to Pathan, it won't be a surprise if they go for 5 bowlers scheme of things. That should give some hope for Chawla. Else, he will not be playing a single match during the Cup.
As I was wondering over the selection issues, I was tickled by THIS ! Howsoever stupid might be their Head Butt; Pakistan Cricket is a marvel to be marveled about. They have demolished New Zealand in New Zealand, within a month of the Kiwis' tour of India where the fancied Indians were made to sweat and grind on home soil.
This is practically Half-B Team of Pakistan. Yunis Khan, Misbah ul Haq and Umar Gul are the only players from the possible best Pakistan -11 playing here. In spite of that, they have crushed the Kiwis in the first test and done so quite handsomely. Coming to second test, Pakistan are on the verge of a series win; their first since 2006.
We are talking about Australia missing their greats and how they are suffering. We also see how South Africa miss Kallis and India miss their 'Stars' every time they lose. Murali-less Sri Lanka become tooth-less Tigers. Pakistan are playing without almost entire team thanks to several problems and Ejaz Butt. But they still can win.
I salute the 'Spirit of Pakistan Cricket' ! And also the ever enthusing talent pool ! If only they had a proper system, they would have been the team to beat. Why doesn't someone bump off the Butt and some more of those Mismanagers of PCB ? They have so much talent at their disposal even for this job ! After all Butt is a Blasphemy on Cricket !
Still, in spite of all their problems; for me, Pakistan will be the dark-horses for WC-2011 !
S-Pun Doctor
Govind, you were pretty harsh on Ashish Nehra, especially when you call him perpetually unfit. He's not missed a single match due to fitness issues ever since he's made a comeback to the team.
ReplyDeleteAnd even though he has been a bit expensive in the last few ODIs, it must be remembered that he has been India's best pacer over the last 12-18 months, especially when we've played at home.
So I think his place in the XV and the XI is well deserved!
Shridhar, I don't contest Nehra's selection per say. But Sreesanth deserved to be in the team on Cricketing reasons. His exclusion is due to Non-Cricketing reasons.
ReplyDeleteNehra is a paradox for an Indian bowler. He bowls better at death than with the new ball. Dhoni should consider bowling him after 25 overs. He is more often than not taken to the cleaners in the initial overs. Remember, he has been expensive on helpful pitches.
But one fact goes in favor of Nehra. When it comes to pacers, India has a very thing bench strength. So "Andhon ke gaon me Kana Rajah"
Sreesanth has not really been that good in LOIs in recent times. Nehra has been India's best in the shorter formats over last one year.
ReplyDeleteBut still, even I wanted Sreesanth in the XV. In place of Piyush Chawla. I have given the reasons for Chawla's exclusion and the need of an extra pacer in my last blog - http://cricsis.blogspot.com/2011/01/team-india-for-world-cup-2011.html
I agree that Nehra may not be very effective with the new ball. But that shouldn't be a problem! If all our pacers are fit, then Zaheer and Praveen will the the first choice new ball bowlers and Nehra will be Dhoni's first choice first change bowler.
Shridhar, Sree picked up 7 wickets in his 2 matches since his come back in ODIs. If Munaf can get a place with just one MOM performance, Sree deserved to be there too.
ReplyDeleteHe picked up important wickets both the times a dangerous partnership was shaping up. And most importantly, he has improved his reverse swing. He would have been an asset with his speed, aggression and reverse during this summer.
Piyush Chawla will not get to play a single match unless something catastrophic happens. He is the Sunil Valsan of this Cup !
I agree with you, on the team selection. spot on with Pakistan cricket. They are really talented and much spirited.
ReplyDeleteI btw, i think Chawla will be playing more games than we would believe him to.
Govind, he will be the Sunil Valsan only if India win this Cup!
ReplyDeleteAB, I hope not !
ReplyDeleteShridhar, that is point blank !