Related Link : England in India 05/06
Having snatched victory from the jaws of a certain defeat, India went into this game as a confident side, knowing what they wanted to do. The onus was surely on England to create a feeling about themselves that they could compete in this form of the game against the hosts. With Powar replacing RP Singh (a good move in my opinion because the latter looks nothing but a ‘dibbly-dobbly’ guy with some pace), strategy prevailed and two-spinners on this dusty Faridabad wicket, would be quite a task for the Poms to handle. In the end, India prevailed in what looked like a nervy encounter and quite worthily, taken a 2-zip lead in the 7 match ODI series. Here are some musings from the Faridabad encounter…
India Em-‘Powar’ed…
At last, one feels that the hunt for India’s compatible second spinner in ODIs is seemingly over. Ramesh Powar was handed a perfect opportunity in the 2nd ODI and even though he could not grab a catch (Strauss on 27) off his own bowling, he surely grabbed his chance as a part of this side. India in the recent past have tried several others like Murali Kartik and of course the old warhorse Anil Kumble, but the recent loss of form for Kartik and Kumble’s aged make-up not in Chappell’s scheme of things at the moment, it was an important game for the Mumbai offie. What makes Powar an effective ODI bowler is his variations – in line, length, trajectory and indeed speed. Early wickets do help any bowler for that matter, but an impeccable line and length coupled with patience is what saw Powar through. It was imperative for him to perform today purely because of the fact that his showings in the last four games he played weren’t encouraging enough. I always believed that he has a crucial role to play in Indian cricket and add his lusty batting at the lower part of the innings and Powar seems a invaluable player. Perhaps the dawn has just begun with this stellar performance and Faridabad. Knowing Ravan (a nickname his Mumbai team-mates have given him for his huge fetish for food) he has a cool head on his shoulders and one certainly hopes and wishes that he be given regular chances to prove his mettle.
India’s Youth Policy
Persistence with youth seems the way ahead for Indian cricket. And indeed, this way is leading to smoother roads. At 92/5, most of us ‘fickle-minded’ Indian fans would’ve written the team off. But thanks to some young thought processes and indeed unquestioned talent, there is surely a sense of belief emerging not solely from the player himself, but also the fans. I do not quite want to be an Economist, quoting statistics about the youth in India and stuff, but as far as cricket is concerned a team with an average age of 25 is surely worth a mention. The emergence of a ‘young brigade’ so to say has had an immense impact on India’s recent successful one-day run. This is a side, that at least appears to have rid away with the concept of ‘Choking’ and a testament to this fact would be the last 14 out of the 16 wins coming through chases. With Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Suresh Raina, RP Singh and of course Irfan Pathan coming through the ranks successfully, age is slowly getting out of the equation. That of course highlights the difference playing two seasons of first class cricket can make to a young cricketer. Thus far, thus good and as an observer of the Chappellian comrades, the policy of blending youth with a touch of experience is the only way Indian cricket can take the ‘Giant’ leap into the next level.
Raina’s Chase
The situation was pretty precarious when this young man walked into bat. With India reeling at 80 for 4 and later 92 for 5, it almost needed a near-miracle to pull it off. It was a fascinating inning played by Suresh Raina today and what was more pleasing than seeing the young man seeing the chase through the last ball. There are 3 Ts that most experts look out for in a young player – Talent, Temperament and Technique and add another T when it comes to Raina – Timing/Touch. It was indeed an encouraging sign as a cricket watcher to see Raina get his timing spot-on when batsmen as good as Flintoff and Pietersen (earlier) were struggling. Responsibility often gets the best out of you as a person, and Raina for sure succeeded with greater burden of pressure. His shot-selection pretty much summed up his innings, that one might describe as one with class, yet a tinge of cheekiness. He picked his spot as and when he desired and what better time to get a boundary than the first ball of any over. Believe you me, it eases the pressure for the rest of the 4 or 5 balls. Being involved in a match-winning partnership and producing a virtual chase of his own would probably do him loads of good and I surely hope that the Team Management look after this chap with a great degree of care and even though it is too early to say, let me put my hand up and predict him to lead India one-day !
The Official Biker
He’s India’s man behind the stumps, an important part of the batting line-up and that apart an added responsibility has been ushered onto Mahendra Singh Dhoni – the team’s official biker. For the second time today, MS Dhoni took the victory lap on Suresh Raina’s brand new TVS Apache. And let me tell you, its not a bad idea to do something that would please his sponsors (He is sponsored by TVS). For a man who often publicly professes his passion for biking, its a responsibility he sure would be thriving on ! And who knows, 2 rides gone, 5 more to go. Lets hope Dhoni gets the last ride !
Over to Goa for the 3rd ODI !