From Ian Botham
Indian team’s prolonged poor run has prompted selectors to make a tough call and drop Virender Sehwag. I was looking forward for some more changes in the batting but that didn’t take place. From the bowling point of view, it’s a new look bowling attack, which has done a decent job in the games against Pakistan.
They had to make a few changes, and they rightly did so. The nature of the game is such that they are bound to excel in some and fail in a few as well. To make a judgement, we would need to see how they fare over a period of time.
The young England T20 side did impress in both the games that they played and the new Indian attack didn’t seem to pose much threat to them so I don’t think so that the England team would be much worried about the Indian bowling attack. England bowling has been terrific in the recent times and having had a good break, they would be raring to go.
Having beaten India in the Test series, and then drawing level in the T20 series with a great win, the English attack will be full of confidence and would be raring to have a go at the Indian batsmen.
In favourable conditions, bowling does play a key role in deciding results of the game and we saw how Pakistan, if not for a pathetic run chase would have gone back with a 3-0 result. The major credit for the series win goes to their young bowlers. England are a good bowling unit and would be looking to replicate that.
The whole of the Indian team management right from the skipper, to coach, to the selectors are under immense pressure but still on papers, they are better ODI batting side than England.
It’s a bit surprising that India haven’t fared very well in this format despite playing it often and the World Cup win wasn’t too long back but then to point out the reason, I feel they have dragged a few players for too long.
This game belongs to fit men and ageing is a natural process. Over the years, they have produced some champion cricketers but we must all understand that after a certain while, one must also look beyond.
They needed to phase out players and they didn’t do that well and that’s why they are finding themselves with so many new faces at one point of time. It doesn’t make sense losing with older players, rather blood youngsters and accept the results during the transition phase.
Every team goes through this and I think the Indian fans must be patient with it.
The likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have shown great promise and they certainly look to be long-term solutions but they need to go out and prove themselves. Also the ones they are replacing are some of the great names, so there will be added pressure on them.
The dew factor will play a key role in today’s game and Rajkot being a batting paradise, the team batting first will gain the advantage. It will be interesting to see what will be a good score with the new rules in place.
Both the sides have got a few young faces so I am looking forward to an evenly fought contest. India do start as favourites but I wouldn’t be surprised if England go 1-0 up.