India Australia ODI: Absence of Stalwarts, chance for youngsters

Sehwag’s blazing strokes, Tendulkar’s trademark straight drives, Zaheer’s aggression and Bhajji’s doosra are some sights that will be missed by Indian fans in the upcoming series against the kangaroos. A young look Indian team has some names that must be eager to show what they are capable of and cement their place in the world cup side. Though, It still remains to be seen.

Most of the positions in the Indian team are already sure on paper for the world cup. It would be very difficult to oust theses names from the list. Still, a good consistent performance could change the list here and there.

Youngsters like Rohit Sharma, Sourabh Tiwary,Kohli etc have a lot of talent in them. It time for them to deliver under the watchful eyes of Dhoni and Kirsten. Especially, player like Sharma whose talent has never been in question must deliver to impress the selectors through some consistent performances. Other players also need to stand up and be counted. It’s time for them to deliver or perish against the mighty Aussies.

Yuvraj, one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket has been in a downfall for some time now. The selectors have given him another chance to prove his worth. It’s time for him to pounce in the opportunity, keeping aside his off field problems. He has to let his willow do the talking. He is an asset to the Indian team, when on song. His slow left arm would be an added bonus on these sub continent tracks. He lost his place in the test side to Suresh Raina who has been showing great temperament and consistent performance in all formats of the game. He has become a mainstay in the Indian middle order which was once occupied by Yuvraj Singh.

On the bowling front, Zaheer is the only player who seems to have sealed a berth in the world cup squad. Other bowlers who can still clinch the bowling spot are Sreesanth, I.sharma, Munaf patel, Praveen kumar, Nehra etc. Nehra and Praveen Kumar are the two bowlers who seem to be ahead in the race and have been given the chance to make an impression in the upcoming series. These players who get a chance should deliver the goods to draw the attention of the selectors. Most of the fast bowlers get plagued by injuries which are a major concern for the Indian thinktank.

Harbhajan Singh, the number one spinner of the nation needs a good partner to bowl in tandom. Ojha seems to fit the bill perfectly. His recent performances meant that Piyush Chawla, Amit Mishra would find it a tough task to dislodge him from the side. R.Jadeja has also played some good hands with both bath and ball.Though, he has not done enough to seal a permanent place in the current side. His failure in the side would open up doors for Yusuf Pathan, who needs to perform in the international stage.

Given the defeat in the test series, the Australians must be really hungry for a victory in the Indian soil. The Australians are never acquainted being whitewashed in any series by their opponents. So, they must be ready to turn the tables around in their yellow coloured uniforms.