The Hindu : Sport : The bowlers need to deliver

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Friday, Mar 09, 2007
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The bowlers need to deliver

Vijay Parthasarathy

If they do, India has a decent shot at making the semifinals

OPENING OPTIONS: It appears likely that Sehwag will open in the company of Ganguly while Robin Uthappa (right) will bat at one-drop. — PHOTO: AP

For a team plumped with match-winners, it's a shame that India should be starved of wins, particularly on foreign tours.

In 2006, the Indian team won 13 one-dayers and lost 15, earning a win percentage lower than that of every Test-playing nation save England. The start to this year has been less forlorn: the West Indies was dispatched 3-1, and lessons were immediately drawn from the one loss against Sri Lanka in Rajkot.

With just a few days to go before the World Cup commences in the Caribbean, it appears likely that Virender Sehwag will open in the company of Sourav Ganguly, at least for the first few matches. Sehwag's wretched form — which has produced two substantial knocks in 15 innings — has been exacerbated through poor shot selection. And, as Sod's Law would have it, only a man fighting desperately for his place in the side could have contrived to run himself out, four short of a well-deserved half-century, under such bizarre circumstances in Vizag.

Infamous run-in

Ganguly's reputation, on the other hand, has undergone restoration since his infamous run-in with the coach more than a year ago. Greg Chappell has craftily claimed that the left-hander's recent success reflects his own; that "the only way (Ganguly) could address certain issues was to spend some time away reassessing all of his goals and ambitions (and) somebody had to tell him that."

Rahul Dravid has done a fine job at number three, but Robin Uthappa would be wasted outside the Power Plays. If the team management has rescinded its plan to employ Uthappa as an opener, yet wishes to retain him for his sharpness inside the circle, the only other option would be to send him at the fall of the first wicket. Uthappa didn't bat long enough in the practice match against Holland — his ability to generate momentum often counts against him and so it was in this game — but the slow pitches should suit his tendency to play through the line, and it will prove relatively easier to adjust for the cut.

Tendency to implode

The top order is prone to the occasional implosion. Fortunately for the Indians, the middle order comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Dhoni counts among the sturdiest in this World Cup. Tendulkar's big-match temperament has been questioned in the past, but the highest run-scorer in limited overs cricket is enjoying a late flush of form and one hopes this last World Cup will nicely round off one of the great cricketing careers.

Dravid is the team's chief playmaker. It makes greater sense for the Indian captain to shepherd the innings lower down, particularly in tricky run chases, since he is skilled at pacing his innings. Statistically significant correlations do not necessarily imply causal relationship; nevertheless, here is an interesting fact: in matches that India has won batting first, Dravid averages a little below 55, whereas in losses he makes just over 33. When India wins batting second, Dravid averages nearly 50, whereas in losses he averages only around 28.

In Yuvraj and Dhoni, this team has a pair of ruthless finishers, arguably among the best in the world, that can rotate strike for a period and then clear grounds at will.

While in theory the batting order looks settled, poor fielding and bowling have contributed to an unfair load on the middle order.

Biggest liability

The rusty Irfan Pathan remains the team's biggest liability — the touring party is, for practical purposes, one man short. Kumble is not as consistently miserly as he once was; Harbhajan Singh bowled better but the grounds in the West Indies are smaller and he could go for a few. Munaf Patel's impeccable length has produced results that were quickly undone by his sloppiness in the outfield; to their credit most catches have been taken but misfielding is bleeding this team.

These past few months Zaheer Khan has re-emerged as the team's spearhead, and inspired its revitalisation. If the bowling attack can extend those patchy moments of brilliance, India will have a decent shot at making the semifinals.

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