The biggest challenge for the Indian thinktank will be deciding the final composition to take on Bangladesh in the Asia Cup opener here on Wednesday. Past records suggest one-way traffic. In 21 one-adyers, India have emerged triumphant in 19 but Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be wary that India’s only loss to their eastern neighbours in a neutral venue hurt them the most. The 2007 World Cup debacle was scripted by a buoyant Bangladesh.
In a format that has little respect for past records, coach Gary Kirsten was rightly guarded.
“We are looking forward to the tournament and it’s another opportunity to do well. We are pleased with the way the T20 games turned out and the return of the seniors.
“It’s a new beginning and an event that will build us to the World Cup. Fitness will be the priority and the players have realised it,” said Kirsten.
The team have been hampered by poor selection in the recent past. Dhoni pointed to the importance of keeping the senior bowlers fit till and after the World Cup in 2011. Unfortunately the senior speedsters have not been in top condition and the second rung has not done enough to challenge them.
Zaheer Khan being rested for a game during the T20 World Championships was a case in point.
Ashish Nehra and Praveen Kumar should relish the gentle breeze across the ground that helps the ball to dart. Pace is not India’s strength but it will not be beyond the trio to utilise atmospheric help. The spinners will have a bigger role to play in a venue where no team have managed to cross 290. The next week should hold the mirror to Indian cricket in more ways than one.
The return of Harbhajan Singh could force R. Ashwin to the benches. This is another area where Dhoni has to be cautious. Part time off-spinners have not got their act together and if Harbhajan and Ashwin are in good rhythm, the team would be better served if both are played. Pragyan Ojha has also filled in well and the choice of spinners will be an interesting choice. The top order looked shaky in Zimbabwe but the return of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir should help.
The fine form of Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina does give Dhoni the advantage of playing a specialist bowler ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.