Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series

[cricajar]

Fellow Cricket Aficianados: Let us debate the potential squad for the crucial upcoming series against WI. Note the importance of these upcoming games cannot be understated as it is our last chance to a) gain some confidence test out new players c) discern the best 11-12 players for WC success. My starting 11 (In Batting Order) 1. Robin Uthappa 2. Ganguly 3. Dravid 4. Tendulkar 5. Kaartik/Raina 6. Dhoni 7. Joginder Sharma 8. Harbajjan Singh 9. Zaheer Khan 10. Agarkar/Powar 11. Sreesanth Reasoning: 1. Uthappa -- Has been on a dream run in the domestic circuit, his confidence is sky high, he is an aggressive bastman and has a good attitude. I was impressed with his willingness to learn from his seniors within the indian team (Dravid/Tendulkar/Laxman) and also from foreign players like Langer. He states he has worked on buliding an innings as opposed to just blasting through one, by setting short term goals. This is critical in cricket...playing each ball for its merit and not suffering from "scoreboarditis" 2. Ganguly -- I will admit that I called for his dropping. And I stick by my decision. His batting was atrocious, disgraceful to watch how his weakness against the short ball was exploited. However, I am very, very impressed by his comeback. It really must rank as one of the great stories of this past year, and I think the main reason for his return was a change in his attitude. The respite enabled Ganguly to reassess his life and game, work out the chinks in his armour and thus rise from the ashes. He was India's highest scoring batsman, in bowler friendly SA and has continued his success in the Ranji Trophy. He is on fire. I do think we should cash in on his good form and provide him the opportunity to open the innings. After all the majority of his 10,000 runs were scored at that slot. 3. Dravid -- I confess, I am a Dravid lover. I adore his poise, his consistency, his class, his diligence, and his style of cricket. There are very few players who possess his technique. I also think he has the great ability to adjust to the situation at hand as he can milk the oppositions for quick singles and twos, and can also hit the ball out of the park. Most label him as a Test cricketer, but remember he has scored 50 runs in 22 balls. He is an unflappable captain who uses logic for decision making and leads by example, his style is different from ganguly's and cannot be compared. It is like comparing apples with oranges. While many people like Ganguly's fire and we should all respect his success, ganguly also lost 14 out of 15 finals...so lets give someone else a chance in pressure situations. 4. Tendular -- The Living Legend. Look I am tired of people disparaging Tendulkar, and let me remind you that Sir Donald Bradman himself once said Tendulkar was his own reincarnation. Moreover, Bradman selected Tendulkar and only Tendulkar from present day players to be placed on his all-time 11. Many people are claiming Tendulkar isn't as good as Ponting or Lara and this is ridiculous. Why? Because Tendulkar should be judged on his accomplishments in the 1990s and early 2000s, when he was in his prime. Note Tendulkar was in his prime for 10-12 years, Ponting has just reached his purple patch over the last 2-3 seasons. Nobody is taking anything away from Ponting or Lara, but we must respect the weight that Tendulkar carried -- for years he was INDIA. He also started playing professional cricket at the age of 16, before his body was fully developed, and thus seems much older now than his counter-parts. Over the past few years he has been riddled by injury and thus cannot perform at his optimal level. So basically, in my rambling I am trying to say ALWAYS RESPECT TENDULKAR. But that is not the question, the query is: should he be present in the team now? His attitude is worrisome: as he states "I am not the 16 year old I once was." Thus he is already limiting himself, before even playing. But I do have faith in the master blaster, because the WC will most likely be his last outing and certainly his last WC so he will show up and show up big. Over the past year, he has certianly not performed up to par, but he also has shown little droplets of genius. I am confident that he can string together his genius in the WC and I'm putting him at the 4 because he is such a dynamic player that he can adjust ot any situation. Besides he isn't aggressive as he once was, so at least give Uthappa and Ganguly a chance up front. 5. Kaarthik had a great match in SA where he illustrated true gumption and batting skill. His performance has to be rewarded. I would even argue maintaining him as the keeper and havnig dhoni as a specialist batsman, because if you've watched kaarthik he's more of a genuine keeper than dhoni who was originally a footy goal keeper. But with this said, Raina also deserves another chance for two reasons a) he has regained some form in the domestic circuit he has extensive experience in international cricket. ( is especially important because he has had some time to think about his experinece in the ultimate level and work on the factors that neeed to be fixed. He played an integral role in scripting several of india's wins during our record-breaking run. 6. Dhoni -- Once the number 1 ODI batsman in the world has certainly lost much of his luster. Beyond his bestial shots, he can actually play quite sensibly especially at the end of the game. Multiple times, he has proven his ability to finish tight games. His record-breaking 180something score against Sri-Lanka, and fire-work filled 143 against pakistan are a testimate to his explosive nature. If he fires, India will always have a chance to win. It is imperative that he rediscovers some form and fire in these upcoming ODI matches. 7. Joginder Sharma -- The comparissons to Kapil Dev are irrestiable the Haryana boys have a similar bowling and batting style, both possessing that inimitable panache and cavalier attitude. Sharma has been outstanding with both bat and ball this past season. Concerns -- His pace is concerning, because he is more of a wicket-to-wicket bowler, bowling about 120s with an upper limit of 130s just isn't very fast...his accuracy cannot waver what-so-ever. I am also disheartened by the unsuccessful run of JP Yadav, who also had a similar success as Sharma. JP Yadav in the Ranji league, but in the international circuit became more of a bits-and-pieces player. Allayed Concerns: The encouraging facet about Sharma is he has International Experience -- thus discovered his weaknesses and has had 2-3 years to work on them. It is heartening to know he has really focused on his bowling and uses Pathan as a model for what not to do (focus on your batting to the detriment of your bowling.) Moreover, this is the last chance we have to test a potential all-rounder and it is a chance Sharma has certainly earned with his industriuos work ethic and inspirational play. 8. Bhajji -- He is still one of the best off-spinners in the world, he was in great form before the SA tournament but very unfortunately didn't have a chance to perform. It was not even like he failed to perform he just wasn't given an opportunity to play. He may form a devasting twin spin attack on the slower WI pitches along with a rejuvinated Anil Kumble. He needs match pratice and the confidence of his captain and board. Match winning bowler, can keep a tight economy rate, and an entertaining batsman. 9. Agarkar: There was reccently a beautiful article posted on Cricinfo that explored whether Agarkar has failed Indian Cricket, or Indian Cricket has failed Agarkar? While statistics certainly don't reveal teh whole picture they are nonetheless very telling. He has consistenly had one of the best averages among all Indian fast bowlers at about 27 for ODIs. His consistency has been admirable and while he's had a couple games in which he has leaked runs, so has every other indian fast bowler. Agarkar has the misfortune of being a perennial scapegoat. A fine player, I think should get a shot especially since Munaf is out. Powar -- He's a damn solid spinner, even with his rolly-polly shape. I really like the guy, he brings a lot of heart and guts with him. He has played admirably well whenever tossed the ball and importanlty, he played well in WI. While he will probably be passed over by Bhajji and Kumble, its important he gets some match pratice in case of any last minute injuries. 10. Zaheer Khan: Honestly, not a big fan of his especially after the way he threw away the WC Final. His bowling was atrocious and I just abhorred his listless demeanor and inability to perform in clutch situations. But like Ganguly he has re-emerged a new man. I am very impressed by his renaissance as a player, he always had the talent but now he has added a rekindled passion to his extensive experience, ability to move the ball both ways, and accurate control. Had a marvelous tournament in SA and will be a vital cog of the indian fast bowling machine. 11. Sreesanth -- Lol who in India is not in love with this atom bomb of a character. Blasting his way into record books and hearts of every cricket fan, his bowling was simply phenomenal in SA and the grit he showed against Nel was inimitable. I am concerned about his economy rate, especially in ODIs. But i think post-SA tour he is a new player. I also think people have new-found respect for him which may certainly work in his favor. He needs to remain focussed and continue to bemuse batsmen with his supreme seam position and testing line/length. Notable Absentees: The next few players I list are individuals I believe could play a vital role in the WC, they should be given an opportunity to perform against SA. All of them veterans who have previously scripted famous Indian Wins. Sehwag -- Gain some sense and alter attitude Irfan Pathan -- Needs to learn how to bowl again... Laxman -- I think unfairly overlooked because he has been type-cast Kumble -- Rested???? Munaf Patel -- Best Bowler before SA...should form a devastating trio with Zaheer and Sree

[King]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series

But that is not the question, the query is: should he be present in the team now?

There should be absolutely no doubt who the best ODI batter has been since Tendulkar started to open. None has come anywhere near him and his credentials should never be questioned

Besides he isn't aggressive as he once was, so at least give Uthappa and Ganguly a chance up front.

I can?t agree more to be honest. Tendulkar still is the best but is not as aggressive as he was even couple of years ago.

Once the number 1 ODI batsman in the world has certainly lost much of his luster.

I don?t reckon he has lost much and is still the top bat in the ODIs for India. Fair enough he is not producing big hundreds but he isn?t batting at the top of the order anymore and is mostly batting at no.6 or no.7 You can?t expect him to score hundreds batting at lower middle order. I think the team you have put together probably is the best on paper but we will have to see if the team that looks good on paper will perform to its potential or not. Going by the current ODI form of the Indian team I don't expect them to win more than couple of ODIs against their bogey team "West Indies".

[Rohan495]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series bring Laxman back.

[jf1gp_1]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series you are going a batsman short. Gambhir is also having a nice run i would like him in the team as well. If no place for him as opener then get him in middle order and there is no way i want to see raina in the playing xi. not untill he gets a few more domestic 100s.

[Anakin]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series Nah Sachin needs to grab VC by any means, probably couple of people can enlighten about that too with their amazing mind reading ability which recently has expanded beyond just what's seen on TV, to keep the spot :hic:

[jf1gp_1]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series

Nah Sachin needs to grab VC by any means' date=' probably couple of people can enlighten about that too with their amazing mind reading ability which recently has expanded beyond just what's seen on TV, to keep the spot :hic:[/quote']

[cricajar]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series I forgot to mention Yuvraj who has probably been the most improved player the past 2 seasons. On playing Gautam -- I do feel bad leaving him out, but I think the batting line-up is too crowded and he may just miss out. On playing 6 batsman -- I am playing the 6 b/c we have Joginder who should contribute at the 7, also Sehwag is not in to turn his arm...so relying just on Tendy and Dada maybe quite risky. Besides I think all quality teams should have 5 proper bowlers.

[yoda]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series I really don't care who plays anymore. I need a series win before I am going to be interested in such details regarding this team.

[gator]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series sachin must open with uthappa for 2 reasons.... u want a left-right combo, tht will straightaway make the bowlers struggle in the beginning when they have not warmed up yet.... second being, if a man has the greatest record at a particular position and he is out of form, the best chance for him to succeed is at tht spot... Dravid must bat at 5... he has been the most vital cog for the odi machine when it was winning... rest look fine, though i would replace powar with raina and encourage him to bowl more before the WC... he was an offspinner in the u19

[Sooda]

Re: Starting Line-Up for WI ODI Series ^Uthappa is right handed Im sure! SRT cant NOT open. And GG/SRT is the right left combo you're looking for, I dont think Ganguly should open- bat him in the middle order where he can hammer the spinners and part timers and the ball is older. Gambhir SRT Dhoni Ganguly Dravid Kartik Joginder Aggy Powar Zak Bhajji MSD as a pure batsman. and dravid to rescue collapse/guide the lower order to 300+ targets at 5.