‘Need to make our starts count’

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A win with a bonus point was a good start for India but a few proverbial problems exist. The senior members had not played competitive cricket for nearly a month and the rustiness showed on the field. Lack of sting with the new ball continues to haunt. If not for Virender Sehwag’s freakish success with the ball, the target could have been further challenging.

Gautam Gambhir coming out of patchy form was a huge relief. “We have been playing too many T20s. for the first few overs I approached the game like a T20 and only after I spent some time I felt comfortable. T20 cannot be a true reflection of form,” remarked Gambhir after collecting the man of the award on Wednesday.
Youngsters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not been consistent and that is another grey area. Gambhir acknowledged the absence of Yuvraj Singh has added pressure on the seniors. “We are missing Yuvraj, at the same time it’s our responsibility to make our starts count. Batting in the evening here with the ball moving both ways is difficult, but to perform under pressure is the biggest challenge and we are up for it,” explained Gambhir.
The individual brilliance of Sehwag and Gambhir covered good base. The indiscipline in bowling and lethargy on field has to be addressed quickly before the tougher assignments. India bowled a total of 19 wides and Ashish Nehra and Praveen Kumar were not exactly sprightly on the field.
“We know fitness is the key area and the boys have realised it well and are working towards it,” coach Gary Kirsten had said on match eve. None of it however reflected in the effort on Wednesday.
The new ball department has been like a revolving door where the spearheads are not getting their act right.
The tight line of Ravindra Jadeja and Harbhajan Singh bowling slower through the air were heartening features. India controlled the game well after power play. It will be exciting to see the tactics against Pakistan who are better players of spin. “The spinners helped us come back well. To restrict the opponent to 167 after giving away a few runs in the initial stages was a fine effort,” said Gambhir.
A win over Pakistan on Saturday should pilot India into the final and even if the match is going to be played in front of empty stands, motivation will not be a problem according to Gambhir.
“We have never had crowds in Dambulla anyway. And for any Indian cricketer there can be no bigger inspiration than to do well against Pakistan. They are a good side but highly unpredictable. The pressure will be on them,” added Gambhir.