It was a tough decision really. As a captain, there are times when you have to back your instincts. I did exactly that when I chose Zaheer Khan to bowl the last over against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
There was this temptation to go with Virender Sehwag who brought us back in the game with two crucial wickets, but I have always felt that tail-enders fancy their chances against a spinner. Since it was a question of one big hit for Sri Lanka, I opted for Zaheer's pace and experience of bowling at the death even though he was hardly impressive in his earlier spells. The rest, as they say, is history.
I just hope that Zaheer would have regained some of his lost confidence from this crucial over and carry it into the final on Sunday.
Zaheer's task, of course, was made a wee bit easier by the ever-improving Irfan Pathan who produced a tight second-last over. We need both of them at their best in the final.
What can I say about Sehwag. He showed, once more, that he is one of our match-winners, both with the bat as well as the ball. It was a good toss to win, so after Sachin departed early, it was important for Viru and myself to preserve our wickets. We did that well.
{{/usCountry}}What can I say about Sehwag. He showed, once more, that he is one of our match-winners, both with the bat as well as the ball. It was a good toss to win, so after Sachin departed early, it was important for Viru and myself to preserve our wickets. We did that well.
{{/usCountry}}Sehwag applied himself to the task and concentrated on building his innings. Even at a subdued pace he was still scoring at run-a-ball. That is what the team needs from him. My aim was to be there till the end. I usually play a lot more positively, but the situation demanded a different approach and I was happy to cut out the frills. Yuvraj came in and played brilliantly, but we should have got 15-20 runs more than what we had on the board in the end.
Batting second is not easy on the Premadasa Stadium wicket which tends to get lower and slower as the match progresses, that's why I thought Sanath Jayasuriya's innings was the best of the match. He was comfortable both against pace and spin and never allowed the asking rate to spiral out of control. It hardly bothered him that he got no support from the other end.
It was Sehwag's day, so with memories of 2002 ICC Trophy match against South Africa fresh in my mind, I tossed the ball to him in a desperate move to get a breakthrough. And Viru once again delivered, just like he had done two years ago.
We knew Jayasuriya's wicket was the key even though they had quite a few in hand. Once he got out after playing, what I reckon, one of his best knocks, the tail-enders found it difficult to get going under pressure.
We have not been at our best, but the important thing is that the boys have fought well to make it to the final.
Hopefully, the big occasion will bring out the best from Team India and we will return with the Asia Cup. (CaféCricket)