Opening Slot: who plays next?
When the Indian team for the Test series was selected , sole objective the selectors had was to accomodate Yuvraj Singh( who was supposedly in the ‘Form of his life’) in the packed middle order. Dravid was requested to open the innings . With Jaffer in top form , everyone believed that the opening slots were sealed as Dravid was expected to take to opening , as a duck takes to water. Or else if there is a problem the captains favourite ( Karthik) or the captains dark horse( Sehwag) were expected to step in.
Midway through the tour, and 2-0 down scoreline ,the slot is up for grabs. Reasons being Dravid not being his usual self in the openers role. Seeing him struggle and graft was a eyesore ,even for his loyal fans..And Jaffer did’nt know what hit him..Lee made him his bunny
The developments in today’s practice match against ACT XI has further complicated the issue. Jaffer fired , Sehwag and Karthik who were the other options disappointed and Yuvraj failed. Which means Yuvraj is certainly on his way out,
So now playing Sehwag and Karthik as the second opener becomes a brave decision to take, Jaffer will have to be retained and Dravid is left hanging between one down and opening slot. This leaves Kumble exactly in the same situation where he must have been at the start of the tour
January 13th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Sehwag’s century today complicates matters !!