The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Kaif and Sehwag

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Wednesday, Sep 08, 2004

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Kaif and Sehwag — the changing tide

By Vijay Lokapally

ON THE WAY UP... Things are looking up for Mohd. Kaif who was promoted in the batting order in the NatWest Challenge series. — Photo: V. V. Krishnan

LONDON, SEPT. 7. It is an effort for Virender Sehwag to put up a smile while Mohammad Kaif cannot stop smiling. The contrasting countenance of these two batsmen aptly sums up the essence of the game — how quickly fortunes can change.

Not that Sehwag has been slack in his approach; no one can be more devoted, but he has ignored the basics of batting. When someone is not in form, the best way out is not to hit out but camp at the crease. The bowlers have given him juicy offerings at the start and he has fallen for the bait.

It has been a setback to the team that Sehwag has hit a low for some time now. One good knock in the Asia Cup is all that he has to show after the second Test against Pakistan at Lahore. It has been a gradual slide since and even Sehwag has not been able to comprehend the reasons.

But true to his character, it is not his personal loss of form that has worried him. He is more concerned about the team not doing well. Of course, he is cross with himself for not being able to provide the team his trademark flying starts. "I feel sorry that I have not been able to give the team the sound start it needs from me.''

Versatile performer

The batting depth of the team has allowed skipper Sourav Ganguly to experiment with Kaif at No. 4 and No. 3 after he started the NatWest Challenge series at No. 6. In the current circumstances, Kaif looks the most versatile performer but has his own observations about it.

``Honestly, no one would like to bat at No. 7 by choice. It's a very difficult position, but then that was the only slot available when I came into the side. The rest of the batsmen were all doing very well and the team was comfortable with the line-up. I am sure no one would willingly opt for No. 7. I know Michael Clarke (Australia) is making runs at that position, but he would prefer to go up in the order,'' said Kaif.

Sehwag loves the new ball thudding on to his bat, but Kaif does not get this experience often.

``I don't get to play the new ball, not even in the nets. I have batted at No. 3 for India `A' and that has helped me to adapt in the last three matches,'' said Kaif.

Sehwag has not been able to stop the slide even after batting down the order though he doesn't mind batting in the middle-order.

``How can I be upset? I have to look at the team's interest first and then only the fact that I have not been scoring runs.

'' Tips have come from Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, but Sehwag's misery has continued.

Combination of factors

The only Indian to hit a Test triple century, Sehwag is aware that he is repeating his mistakes. Is he troubled by poor form or poor shot selection, or have the best deliveries exclusively been coming his way?

``I think it is a combination of bad patch, good bowling and poor shot selection. I am getting out before coming to terms with the bowling and the pitch. Frankly, I am not unduly worried because I know I can come out of this soon. It's a different experience though,'' Sehwag said.

"I analyse my batting and watch the tapes. I don't think there is any need for me to make any changes to my style. Even my team-mates tell me there is nothing wrong with my batting. They have been very encouraging,'' Sehwag said.

New experience

It is a new experience for Kaif too — carrying the batting responsibilities when some of the stalwarts have been struggling. ``I am happy to bat at any position that the team management deems fit. In a team game, one has to learn to adapt to the team's interests and I will be happy to contribute in whatever way the team management wants me to.''

It has been a long time since Sehwag felt any pressure or threat to his position. V. V. S. Laxman opening the innings with Ganguly at Lord's was a temporary arrangement. Sehwag said: ``I was taken into confidence by the captain and the team management. I have not taken it personally at all. It is not the first time that I have batted down the order. I did not open in a few matches in New Zealand before the World Cup."

Like Sehwag, Kaif too hasn't changed his approach. ``I am feeling good and confident. I have been hitting the ball well and analysing my batting with the help of the seniors in the team. Watching batsmen like Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman has been very beneficial because cricket is a mind game and they are all mentally so tough. I have learnt to adapt by watching them.''

A weak opponent in Kenya in the first encounter allows the Indians to breathe easy as they gear up for the Champions Trophy. However, there is very little time for Sehwag.

``I don't have a readymade solution but I will be ready,'' he said.

India's strength lies in its batting and it will gain enormously if Sehwag comes good in the Champions Trophy. The new-found trust in Kaif, who was until now recognised only for his fielding skills, is a welcome bonus.

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