S. Dinakar
Experience could be a priceless commodity in Champions Trophy
Kirmani feels Kumble can lift the morale of the side
Indian attack should revolve around the champion spinner: Srinath
Chennai: The National selectors, on August 9, will shortlist 30 cricketers for the ICC Champions Trophy. And the selection of the probables holds much significance.
Given that Team India has been increasingly relying on youth, speculation is rife about the fortunes of a few senior cricketers. Will the selectors and the team-management shift their line of thinking following the 4-1 ODI setback in the West Indies?
The ideal side has to be a blend of youth and experience. What could be Anil Kumble's role in the attack if he is inducted? And Sourav Ganguly's fate hangs by a slender thread.
The fitness factor
With mobility on the arena being a key ingredient for success in the abbreviated form of the game, can these cricketers measure up to the fielding standards required? In a scenario where the thrust is on building a side for the future, will their age (Kumble is 35, and Ganguly, 34) be held against them?
Fitness is high on the priority list — the Indian team even underwent a session at the Parachute Regiment Training Centre during its camp in Bangalore — of a side seeking to raise the bar.
It can also be argued that in the cauldron of the high pressure Champions Trophy, a forerunner to the World Cup, experience could prove a priceless commodity.
The Indian selectors and the think-tank, over the past one year, have embarked on a course where a conscious effort has been made to give the youngsters a fling.
"You cannot judge players in the nets. You have to throw them into the heat of the battle," says coach Greg Chappell.
The idea, quite clearly, has been to field the emerging cricketers in at least 40 to 50 ODI games ahead of the World Cup. While the logic behind such an endeavour cannot be faulted, the selectors would do well to keep some serious options open.
India, beginning with the tri-nation series in Sri Lanka from August 14, has a busy ODI season ahead. The Champions Trophy, to be held in the country in October-November, will be a key event to test strength since the pitches in the West Indies these days are similar to those in the sub-continent.
Kumble is almost certain to receive the nod with India looking for a probing bowler who can turn his deliveries from leg to off, while there is a question mark against Ganguly's name.
Says former India wicket-keeping great Syed Kirmani: "Kumble is a match-winner, your best bowler, and a terrific competitor who can lift the morale of the side. And he is a safe fielder. Tell me, how many real athletes does this Indian team have? You just cannot keep him out because he is over 35."
Kumble's friend and former India paceman Javagal Srinath points out, "It's not just about his bowling. He can share his experience and wealth of knowledge with the side. He is still an exceptional bowler. In fact, the Indian attack should revolve around him. There is no other spinner with matching experience and the pacemen are young."
The pitches in the West Indies have slowed down considerably and possess more than a hint of inconsistent bounce. Spinners could be winners. Kumble can create the pressure on the batsmen — he can both contain and strike. And Kumble and Harbhajan combine effectively.
Says Maninder Singh, former India left-arm spinner: "We should go in with four pacemen including all-rounder Irfan Pathan and three spinners. Kumble has to be there along with Harbhajan Singh. The third spinner should either be Murali Kartik or Ramesh Powar." Left-arm spinner Kartik's rehabilitation from a shoulder surgery is being followed with keen interest.
Demanding phase
Ganguly is in the midst of a demanding phase. `Dada' has run into problems off the field, has suffered fluctuations in form. But then, he did show glimpses of his fighting qualities in the Karachi Test, both, with the bat and the ball. His credentials cannot be brushed aside.
Argues Kirmani, "Ganguly should be in the list. No question about that. You need to have somebody like him around. He can always regain his form."
Maninder agrees: "Why not Ganguly? He can be a destructive batsman, especially in limited overs cricket. Despite his lack of runs in the county circuit, he still has some cricket left in him."
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