Temperament of Yuvi impressive

Let’s get one thing straight — there are no minnows anymore in international cricket. Any of the Associate nations can upset a major team. Ireland have beaten England, and I am sure the Netherlands must be fancying their chances against Ireland and Bangladesh. Javagal Srinath writes.

Let’s get one thing straight — there are no minnows anymore in international cricket. Any of the Associate nations can upset a major team. Ireland have beaten England, and I am sure the Netherlands must be fancying their chances against Ireland and Bangladesh.

HT Image

Against that backdrop, I would like to reiterate that India have given due respect to both Ireland and the Dutch. I wouldn’t read too much into India’s five-wicket win, or that India suffered a mid-innings slump.

It was obvious there was a definite plan, and that was to score quickly and boost the run-rate. It worked for a while, but when a few wickets went down quickly, India put their heads down and eke out a win.

Early Aggression
India used aggression as and when it was required. Whenever Sachin gets out early, Virat Kohli comes in and rotates the strike, while Sehwag goes hammer and tongs.

When Sehwag is dismissed, Kohli becomes the attacker as Sachin looks to bat through. Once again, the responsibility of taking the team through rested with Dhoni and Yuvraj. I have been impressed with Yuvraj in this event. He is not playing for his reputation or for the crowd. He is playing for the team.

Dhoni’s match skills are just amazing, and I really don't know how he has acquired them. Right from the time I first saw him against Pakistan in Vizag, he has been a master at pacing a one-day innings.

Captain's choice
Piyush Chawla should be happy with the confidence Dhoni is showing in him, but I was quite happy to hear Dhoni talk about Ashwin and his mental toughness. As the event progresses, we might get a few turning tracks and Chawla can be a handful. Hawkeye