IF Dhoni selects Jadeja....

[Crookbond]

I also remember Mohd. Kaif's two knocks at No.7, including a century against Zim.

I think these are the only two knocks which come to my mind. One was the Natwest Series final and the other was against Zimbabwe in the Champions Trophy 2002. In recent memory, Yusuf Pathan's knocks against New Zealand and South Africa come to mind.

The 7 batsman theory works better in more bowler friendly conditions - for instance Dada was a usual 5th bowler in seaming conditions and Sehwag, etc were good on spinning pitches. On the other hand, a No.7 will not be required to bat often on flat tracks and a 5 bowler (with a bowling all-rounder) strategy would make more sense.

I think the No. 7 should suit the need of the team. I don't think currently Yusuf fits the bill especially since the batting is performing well. If the batting weren't performing, I would bring in Yusuf.

I wonder how the domestic allrounders such as Shukla, etc would fare.

We have NO domestic all rounders, just namesakes.

[Crookbond]

If you read my previous post, I also said Yusuf is a bits and pieces player and would prefer a proper batsmen. Tiwary is not suited for no7 role. A no7 is a finisher, whether steadying innings or hitting big. Tiwary can't really hit big. Yusuf deserves an opportunity because right now it is not wc and we should look for utility player.

I wouldn't be surprised if Yusuf's services are never required in the tournament (haven't been required in these 3 games at least), lets see.

[Crookbond]

7 batsmen formula works for us and let's keep it that way. It's not as if we are keeping a great wkt taker on the bench by playing the 7th batsman. But I do hope we play Rahul Sharma if we get to the final

Rahul Sharma against Ashwin, I guess you're saying. But, Ashwin's done OK. It would be hard to take that step. Personally, I would play Sharma against Yusuf to make sure we don't put pressure on our batting line up in the final (if we reach there i.e.).

[Cricket Tragic]

Shocked that DTW does not consider Sree to be an all rounder.