If you had watched half an hour of the Oz-Lanka series, some commentator was bound to have talked about Shane Watson and Michael Clarke. The former's injury was the latter's foot in the door. Clarke has never looked back, and Watson has not been heard of, since. Of course, this is not unique by any means.
Dhoni has injured his ankle in the final ODI. It is still unconfirmed whether he will be fit to play the first Test. If he were to sit out, it would give Yuvraj the opportunity everyone wants him to get, but did not know how. Ganguly had batted better than most in England, and Laxman has been consistent, but within himself. Most importantly, it is a line-up that just won a series away. One of three would have had to sit out the Kotla Test, but Dhoni's injury opens up a few new possibilities.
If Karthik is to keep, will Kumble want him to open the innings as well? If not, then who? Assuming Yuvraj walks into the squad, one of Yuvraj, Dravid or Laxman may need to step up and open the innings. All three have done it before and Dravid has been the most succesful.
My line-up, assuming Dhoni's injury keeps him out:
Jaffer, Dravid, Laxman, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Yuvraj, Karthik (wk), Kumble (c!), Bhajji, Zaheer, Sreesanth
Actually, I'm not too sure who too pick among Sree and Arpy.
What will be even more interesting to see is what happens when Dhoni comes back from injury. If Kartik, Laxman, Yuvraj and Ganguly all perform creditably, then there may be the absurd scenario of the vice-captain not having a place in the squad.
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6 comments:
i feel sorry for dhoni...but it will be a blessing in disguise for two reasons...
first, we will get to see ys playing with fab four...
secondly...it will be more easier for selectors to drop ys, lx or sg if they fail to perform...
and even if they do good its always better for any team to have a problem of whom whom to pick...tells you about bench strength to keep everybody honest and on his tows...
Thanks SP. One should not discount the possibility of Laxman, Ganguly and Yuvraj entering the game with a defensive mindset, determined not to lose their place in the side. That cannot be too good.
then too it would be open to scrutiny for selector and everyone to see who performed how...isn't it
John,
These absurdities are not new to Indian cricket.
Reminded me of Venkatraghavan.
Captain in one test only to carry the drinks in another.
Thats not true about watson not being heard of, before this series he told everyone he should be opening ahead of jacques.
then he did his heart muscle again.
Wrong assumptions mate. Dhoni aint injured. And he would play. Unfortunately KKD would also play.
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