Column

With India winning the first three matches of the series, England may perhaps be consoling themselves that their performance in the last match (at Kanpur) was their best thus far on this tour, and that they’ve come closer to beating India. But that could well be wishful thinking. For, given the way India are playing at present, it will take some effort from the Englishmen to get better of them at Bangalore. Simply because Dhoni & Co have kept the visitors pinned down, completely dominating proceedings.

With today’s match being the first Day-Night outing of the series, the dew factor comes into reckoning and will play an important role, especially for the team bowling under lights. Thus, winning the toss becomes crucial to some extent. The man who calls correctly will, among other things, also have to keep in mind that the wicket at the Chinnaswamy has always been a belter, one has produced high-scoring encounters.

The return of Sachin Tendulkar has created a euphoria of sorts, and the Englishmen will be wary of his very presence on the field. Besides, with Sachin in the dressing room, it automatically motivates youngsters to perform a notch higher than they usually do. Such is the aura and respect he commands from his team-mates.

Now, the question is when should he come in. I strongly feel that he always prefers to open the innings. Even during some matches in the last couple of years, he was reluctant to go in at No.3 or 4. However, the think-tank at that time felt that he would be better off at No.3 or 4 which, in hindsight, proved a wrong move. For, in one-dayers, Sachin has always been at his best when he calls the shots right from the beginning of the innings. Moreover, his coming in early could also have an adverse effect on the morale of the opposition.

The Indian think-tank must also be in a dilemma as to who from the playing eleven should be made to sit out. It has to be either Suresh Raina or Rohit Sharma. While there’s no doubt both the lads are extremely talented, they have squandered many an opportunity to cement their places in the side. Furthermore, they got the preferred batting number to bat as well. They’ve been scoring runs but only in fits and starts, and they lack the consistency to be counted at the highest level.That they failed reflects poorly on their temperament and approach to the game.

Be that as it may, Yuvraj must not bat later than at No 4. He is too good a player to follow someone like Raina or Sharma. What’s more, he’s been your man in form, and he simply must be out there in the middle for as many overs as possible.