The Hindu : Sport : We must get Sehwag early

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 08, 2005

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We must get Sehwag early

By Inzamam-ul Haq

Two successive losses have pushed us firmly onto our back foot. The Jamshedpur ODI is of crucial significance for both teams. If India win here they will take an unbeatable 3-0 lead and the entire pressure will shift on us to win the next three or lose the series. Also, there will be no margin for error on our part.

I am told Jamshedpur will be hotter, though less humid. It doesn't help the players at all, but there is no point in cribbing about it either.

Right now we are in a bit of a hole and we have to get out of it. All we need is a bit more commitment and resolve and a slice of luck.

We are still a confident side. Our batting has stood up well in both the games. At the 35th over stage in Vizag, we were still in the hunt, but loss of wickets at regular intervals put paid to our spirited chase.

So the key factor for us would be to keep wickets in hand and build partnerships.

Flying start

Also, in both the games, we managed to contain India rather well in the last 15 overs. It's the first 15 overs we must worry about. India have got off to fliers in both games, as a result of which they have posted a near 300 and a 350-plus total so far. So, if we can do in the first 15 overs what we have done in the last 15 in the two matches, we should be able to turn the tables on India.

We must get Virender Sehwag early though. He is taking the game away from us with his blistering batting. I was most impressed with Dhoni?s performance. His was an entertaining knock.

What I liked about him was that he grabbed the opportunity that was thrown to him. That's what you want from the youngsters. Full marks to Dhoni for that, but these are early days for him in international cricket. He still has a long way to go.

Sehwag and Dravid have batted well right through the series. We must find a way to dent the Indian top-order.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to say sorry to all and sundry for losing my cool in Vizag. It is unlike me, but it also shows that I am human and have emotions. Once inside the dressing room,

I realised my folly. My behaviour was particularly unbecoming of a captain. Also when the youngsters see their captain in such a state, it tends to undermine their confidence. I assure my fans and well-wishers that it will be same `cool' Inzy on view once again.

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