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Murali likely to play a key role
It was a good win against the Kenyans, even though it was not one of our best performances in the Cup. We, however, managed to win the game. The Kenyans have impressed me a lot. They are a much improved side and probably the best of all the 'younger' cricket nations in this tournament.
It was a good win against the Kenyans, even though it was not one of our best performances in the Cup. We, however, managed to win the game. The Kenyans have impressed me a lot. They are a much improved side and probably the best of all the 'younger' cricket nations in this tournament.
A lot of credit should go to their coach Sandeep Patil, who has worked with this team tirelessly over the years and has made them a fighting unit. They have some quality batsmen in their ranks --- Ravindu Shah, Kennedy Otieno, Maurice Odumbe --- and good bowlers like Thomas Odoyo and Collins Obuya. I am sure that in due course of time, with more exposure, Kenya will emerge as a much stronger side.
They are improving every time I see them. They beat Sri Lanka in the league game and gave us a huge scare when we were down at 24 for three. Although we manage to pull it off in the end, we have to put up a much better display in the next match we play.
Yuvraj Singh rose to the occasion once again. He played a superb knock and is getting better with every innings. I am very happy for the lad. It just goes to show how proper backing helps good players become better with time.
Monday's game against Sri Lanka is very important for both teams. We have to win one of the two remaining games to qualify for the semis as the number two or three team. Needless to say, we don't want to leave it to the last game.
Sri Lanka have an injury scare with Sanath Jayasuriya being hit on the forearm. He is the captain of their team and obviously a key batsman. However, they are a good one-day side and having said that, we have played them well.
Murali could be a key factor as he is a class act but we have played him a lot and played him quite comfortably in the past. It is a day game at the Wanderers here so the toss would not be such a huge factor, as the wickets have been excellent throughout the series.
As a team, we are playing well and would like to keep up the good work. I would say we are playing as well as we played in the NatWest Trophy in England. We did not field all that well in the last game and also didn't bowl well in the death against Kenya and that's the area we are looking to for improvement.
We have played well against Sri Lanka in the recent past. We won all our games against them in England and we were unlucky that both the days kept for the Champions Trophy final in Colombo last year were rained out.
We will obviously go into the tie with that confidence behind us. The fact that we have won our last five games here will also help. The important thing is that all the batters are feeling good and hitting the ball sweetly.
One more thing. I have been asked questions about Virender Sehwag and his batting position because of his so-called lack of form. I don't think there is any reason to worry because Sehwag is a class act and I have a lot of faith in him. He is definitely due for runs and the day he hits the big time, he will win you a match single-handedly. Mark my words.
