India vs Australia: At The Drawing Board

Face to Face: Dhoni vs Ponting

The world cup 2011 is finally at a stage from where a single mistake can cost teams and their fans dearly. The group stage of this world cup consisted of some boring, few exciting and many average games and quarter final stage is the time when the tournament will shift its gears. Though the first quarter final between Pakistan and West Indies ended before office goers returned their homes and switched on their TVs, tomorrow’s much hyped game between the defending champion Australia and One of the favorites to win this cup India won’t be a dud. The game is scheduled at the Motera ground in Ahmedabad and while writing this post both the captains must be at their drawing boards devising strategies for this exciting match.

As I said before, now that we are at the business end of the world cup, making mistakes can prove costly and that makes devising strategies more important. India made many mistakes in matches against the big teams like England and South Africa in the group stage, it will be dangerous to repeat those mistakes all over again. We can only hope that the team management has duly addressed the problem areas of the team.

PROBLEM AREAS:

1. Sudden batting collapse: Self destruction is nothing new to the Indian batting. In last 5 matches, India has faced sudden batting collapses of varying degrees. The collapse was mild in matches against the minnows but strong against strong bowling attacks. This particular problem area makes India vulnerable in tomorrow’s match. The batting powerplay has been blamed for such collapses but it is time the team identifies the root. It is not the wrong timing of the powerplay but inability to play as per the situation that led to such collapses.

Strategy:

Plan A: Every one knows that the bowling captain saves his best bowler for the 5 batting powerplay overs. Best way to deal the powerplay(PP) is by taking it when your best batsman is batting. When a batsman is set and playing well in that match, it is highly suggested to take the batting PP. If closely analysed India has been clueless when to take the batting PP in the previous matches. In many matches, they tried to use it when Yusuf Pathan (whose big shot playing abilities are well known) came to bat which expectedly didn’t yield any result.

Plan B: It will be foolish to go into such an important match without a plan B. India did try the batting PP with its best batsmen set in one match; the one against England and failed in that one too. The reason? lack of alternate back up plan. If your best batsman gets out, the new batsmen must know exactly what they should do. Batsmen, in such conditions, should never come with a blank mind. Coach and captain must decide the approach for the next few overs and that decision must be made clear to the next batsmen.

2. Batting order: India’s batting order against the West Indies was the most sound and stable line up for a match. Kohli at any place other than No. 3 is no better than a waste. While new age batsmen may like to add “can bat at any place” to their CV, it is highly improbable that a batsman can actually do it. With Sehwag coming back to the team for tomorrow’s game (though still some doubt over Sehwag’s fitness exists), batting order will have to be changed and Kohli being pushed down the order.

Strategy:

Plan A: With Sehwag coming in, Sehwag and Sachin pair will start the innings and Gambhir will bat at no. 3. The real question is that of No. 4 position which will have two options: Yuvraj and Kohli. In my opinion, Yuvraj should continue at no. 4 and Kohli to be pushed at no. 5. No. 6 and 7 can be re arranged between Dhoni and Raina (yes, prefer Raina over Yusuf Pathan in the team)

Plan B: There can always be a change in batting order as per situation though it may not be needed. India must take decisions related to batting order judiciously during the match.

3. Bowling: 3+1 or 2+2: Ok, 5 bowlers theory is out of question. Out of 4 bowlers what should be the combination? We may need to check the pitch report for that. It seems to be very much like a subcontinent wicket: a slower wicket with more turn at the later part of the game. Australia has already played a match here in this world cup and they have got a feel of the wicket. India’s bowing has been below par in the tournament so far: this fact makes it important that a proper bowling strategy is made.

Plan A: Play Ashwin and go for 2+2 combo. Ashwin will be difficult to tackle and may prove too hot for the Australian batsmen. Australian side may be trying to create fear among Indian ranks with the talks of short balls but they must be similarly terrified of the spinning ball coming off Harbhajan/Ashwin’s hands. Raina, Yuvraj can fill in the 5th bowler’s place. How about giving Sreesanth a chance in this game to assist Zaheer in pace attack? Risky but there is a different charm of playing Sree against the Australians. Well, less risky option of Munaf won’t be a bad idea if Dhoni can find a fielding position for him.

Plan B: Go with conventional 3+1.

Special Plan: India must make special individual plans against some key Australia batsmen: Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke.

4. Fielding: Fielding of Indian team is improving day by day but problem of dropping a few catches remains. Opponent batsmen too find it easy to steal singles or convert singles into twos thanks to some lethargic Indian fielding

Plan A: Nothing much to plan now. Hope the players worked hard in the field in last seven days.

These were some of the key problem areas which must have come up on Dhoni’s drawing board with some suggested strategies. But more than strategies, the captain’s real time decision taking capabilities will be tasted in this battle of equals. Let’s wish the team a good luck. We want India to Play Pakistan on the March 30th at Mohali.

P.S. A piece of stats: India hasn’t won a match at Motera since 2002. Hope the jinx is broken tomorrow :)