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Finally, the selectors have selected the team for the first two Test matches against Australia. Here is the squad.
Indian squad for the 1st and 2nd Test: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain and wicket-keeper), Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ajinkya Rahane, Ashok Dinda, Murali Vijay, Ishant Sharma.
The selection team sent a clear message to all the players out there – “Perform or Perish”. The axing of Gambhir was a pretty bold step by the BCCI, taking Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan instead. But I am quite disappointed with Wasim Jaffer not being selected.
Anyway, it’s now time for the Indian team to focus on their game strategy against the Aussies. They would not want another embarrassing series at home. According to me, if India are to have a good chance of victory, the following must go in their favour.
1. Openers must fire: The selectors have decided to give a chance to the talented youngsters Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan for the price of dropping Gautam Gambhir. So it is their responsibility to repay the faith shown by the selectors. Even Sehwag will have to perform; he will now know that past records alone will not help in guaranteeing a place in the team. According to me, Sehwag-Dhawan combo will be perfect for India, which will ensure that the right-left opening combination stays put.
2. Bat Aussies out of the Game: India’s greatest strength at home has always been batting. But after the series against England, it was pretty evident that the Indian batting does not have the same force after the retirements of Dravid and Laxman. But considering the inexperience of Australian bowlers in Indian conditions, it is the perfect opportunity for the batsmen to capitalise, especially for the likes of Kohli and Pujara.
3. Spinners: Well, even the “next big thing” Ashwin was negotiated by the English batsmen pretty easily. Cook and Pietersen showcased excellent footwork and timing to cancel out the spin advantage India had. Even the rank turner at the Wankhede could not stop the English. The spinners would have now realised that the touring nations are no more amateurs in sub-continent conditions. Ashwin, Ojha and Harbhajan must pull out all the tricks from up their sleeves to attain complete domination over the visitors.
4. Fielding: Indian team has improved their fielding drastically over the past years. Yet, the inexperienced fielders have dropped catches at important moments of the game. The fielders must ensure that no sitters are dropped. Also,the prospect of the Test being a 5 day match must not bring laziness to the fielders.
The above stated points are what I feel are important for an Indian victory. But all we can do is now wait and watch. All the best India!
