PETER ROEBUCK

India's batting woes continued in the second match of this Champions Trophy. Although the West Indies almost managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, still the hosts were beaten and now must overcome the Australians or face the consequences. Unless the batting recovers its poise, Rahul Dravid and his men will be packing their bags.

No one studying the Indian batting order will be surprised by the stuttering form. It has a makeshift look. Such are the talents of its leading lights that the line-up will sometimes produce a respectable score, and occasionally a spectacular total. More often it will flatter to deceive. Apart from the old hands, the order lacks authority. Moreover the players seem to be worrying about their places. A plant cannot grow till it has taken root.

Much can be gleaned from the recent figures of the batsmen. Only Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh and Dravid have any reason to be satisfied with their performances. Everyone else has been as fitful as a coughing car. Mohammad Kaif remains a promising batsman in search of a role. S.K. Raina's praises have been sung by a loquacious coach, and now he must come to terms with the weight of expectation. Alas Virender has not been doing much Sehwagging.

Nor has the keeper sustained his form. Dhoni has had much on his mind these days. Whereas young cricketers raised in prosperous urban areas are well placed to deal with the sudden intrusions of fame and fortune, those taking guard in impoverished rural regions can take time to adjust their sights. Dhoni will be back.

Regular batting order

Still, the batting has been poor and the question remains "What to do?" First thing is to settle on a regular batting order so that each player can accustom himself with the requirements of his position. Short of a calamitous collapse, these players should occupy these places in the World Cup. Irfan Pathan is not good enough to bat at first wicket down. Not that he suffers from vertigo. Just that he will fail more often than he succeeds. Moreover his bowling may suffer.

Since the main problem with the batting is that it lacks solidity and class, the time has come to restore these ingredients. One of the strategies worth considering is selecting the line-up opponents least want to face. Some guesswork is needed as rivals are about as willing to show their hands as a poker player holding a running flush. Still, some things can be surmised.

Dangerman

Tendulkar must open. No need for thunderous applause. Sehwag must accompany him to the crease. Don't forget his innings in the last World Cup final. He remains a dangerman. Having tried to persuade him to slim down, India might consider taking the opposite approach. Tell him that if he bats well he can have as many samosas as he likes.

VVS Laxman enters at first wicket down. A batsman of high calibre must fill that position. Yuvraj bats at second drop because he is left-handed and in form. Dravid comes next. He is adept at rebuilding an innings and can also push the score along in the later stages but is less comfortable setting the pace. Kaif or Raina appears at 6. Kaif is my nomination.

After that comes, Dhoni, Pathan, Harbhajan, Patel and Sreesanth. If needed, the second spinner can replace the extra batsman at 6. Not a bad side. Whatever team is chosen, though, must be given a chance to build confidence and spirit. The time for chopping and changing has passed.

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