***Official*** Sri Lanka in India

[dinu23]

I agree with Pratyush. I still think Ganguly is a great ODI batsman, just look at his record. he just seems to be going through a lean period.

 

[ramkumar_gr]

He's hardly ever got an opportunity, with the ball in particular. In just four matches, he's got to bowl as many overs as Balaji, and he's got very good figures then. As for his batting, he may have disappointed, but he can perform a role none of the specialist batsmen can- to mount a charge on the bowling attack, particularly in the final overs. He's not very talented, but he serves a purpose, be it as a batsman, bowler or fielder. That's good enough to get him back. We find similar players playing for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, West Indies and New Zealand, so why should India not play him? Instead, we find the likes of Parthiv Patel, MSK Prasad, Deep Dasgupta, Dinesh Karthik and a very reluctant (and inept) Rahul Dravid playing as wicketkeeping all-rounders, so Bangar should be considered again.

I readily agree with Arjun. He never got enough opportunities he deserved. as he says,
he may not be a natural talent but a very hard working cricketer. He can change gears at will and can adapt his game to any situation of the game. As we have seen instances where he had grafted and also went on an assault even in Test matches. Remember his quickfire hundred against Zimbabwe and also many of his patient knocks.
Noone will ever forget his quickfire fifty while chasing a big total against WI. Not many had done that for India while chasing. As for bowling goes, he had won a match for India bowling during the final overs. He can also use his bouncer well as he had never played ODI after the new rules for bouncer. To be precise, he definitely is a better bet that players like Ajit Agarkar, Joginder Sharma, etc.

 

[Arjun]

I agree with Pratyush. I still think Ganguly is a great ODI batsman, just look at his record. he just seems to be going through a lean period.

Look at the in-form ODI teams, then the dreadfully out-of-form Indian ODI side. There is a difference in the quality of fielding. Persisting with the likes of Ganguly and Kumble would be as good as taking a backward step, and wouldn't help the team as a whole. Sure, if he gets lots of runs, that would be good for him, but not good enough for the team if the fielding gives away extra runs.

The Indian team doesn't have a great bowler in their ranks. The bowlers need the support of the fielding unit more than ever. But they won't get it if you continue with players in a one-day side who are weak on the field. Replace these weak links with more players like Yuvraj (minus fat-headed attitude) and Raina, and you would have a much better ODI side.

 

[Pratters]

Look at the in-form ODI teams, then the dreadfully out-of-form Indian ODI side. There is a difference in the quality of fielding. Persisting with the likes of Ganguly and Kumble would be as good as taking a backward step, and wouldn't help the team as a whole. Sure, if he gets lots of runs, that would be good for him, but not good enough for the team if the fielding gives away extra runs.

Even if a player gives some runs away because of fielding, he would play a crucial role if he makes runs. You are giving much more importance to fielding and much less importance to making runs.

By making runs Ganguly or any one would help not just himself but the team too. Similarly for some one like Kumble.

A fielder who would be average with the bat or ball vs a good batsman or bowler who is an average or poor fielder?

The second option sounds much better.

 

[ramkumar_gr]

Balaji - South Zone

Balaji is back into form with the 3 wicket burst , in case if the selectors feel he is out of form. He is someone who has performed way ahead in comparison to Zaheer,Irfan pathan, Aashish Nehra or any any other fast bowler in test cricket against tougher opponents.
Instead of giving him a good run, selectors denied him the chance of playing against zimbabwe , where irfan helped himself with some easy pickings.

Hope selectors make Balaji a permanent fixture in the test line up.

 

[Arjun]

Even if a player gives some runs away because of fielding, he would play a crucial role if he makes runs. You are giving much more importance to fielding and much less importance to making runs.

By making runs Ganguly or any one would help not just himself but the team too. Similarly for some one like Kumble.

A fielder who would be average with the bat or ball vs a good batsman or bowler who is an average or poor fielder?

The second option sounds much better.

You're talking of one-dayers here. They're not always won by five-wicket hauls or centuries. Sometimes that extra-ordinary catch, the sharp direct-hit run-out, those 50 runs saved by the fielding, the extra singles pinched and several other basic aspects can often change a match. All of these have been lacking in the current Indian side. Is it not surprising that they're at the bottom of the table, despite having someone like Ganguly, who's supposed to be a heavy run-scorer? Compare the Indian and Lankan ODI sides- it's obvious that the better fielding and running side is the better side, and by so much. Yet the people in charge don't realise it. And unfortunately, nor do many Indian fans.

 

[Pratters]

You're talking of one-dayers here. They're not always won by five-wicket hauls or centuries. Sometimes that extra-ordinary catch, the sharp direct-hit run-out, those 50 runs saved by the fielding, the extra singles pinched and several other basic aspects can often change a match. All of these have been lacking in the current Indian side. Is it not surprising that they're at the bottom of the table, despite having someone like Ganguly, who's supposed to be a heavy run-scorer? Compare the Indian and Lankan ODI sides- it's obvious that the better fielding and running side is the better side, and by so much. Yet the people in charge don't realise it. And unfortunately, nor do many Indian fans.

That last swipe wasnt necessary. Just because your view does not agree with me does not mean you categorise me as an Indian fan who knows less about cricket and you as some one who knows a lot more. That is plain arrogance.

Fielding is important in one day cricket. But batting and bowling are very important skills which you seem to forget here. So you dont want Ganguly and Kumble in the team even if they are performing.

I didnt see you have a problem with them the last 10 years they have been performing. Or have you wanted them out of the one day team for 10 years. Because their fielding has always been poor.

As fielding is SUCH an important skill that a poor fielder should not be able to make the team according to you, you may want Inzamam ul haq out of the Pakistan side too.

I am not saying that Kumble and Ganguly should be retained if they perform poorly. Ganguly certainly has to concentrate and show some better form to gain a place back in the team. But if he can, and if Kumble can perform his crucial bowling role, I dont see why they should not be selected.

 

[shaka]

Ganguly pushing for a return to form / Indian team, he got the last two batsmen out and scored 117

 

[honestbharani]

Well, my uneasy prediction looks like coming true a lot sooner than even I expected.

 

[Jono]

I agree that Ganguly still has something to offer Indian cricket in the limited overs game, but NOT as an automatic selection. He has to prove himself in domestic cricket once again.

Anyway here's my XI for the first few games against SL, remember Kaif, Nehra and Zaheer are out injured.

Sehwag
Tendulkar
Dravid
Yuvraj
Rao
Dhoni
Yadav
Pathan
Agarkar
Harbhajan
Sree Santh

Super-Sub: Raina or Kartik.

I think this is the best team to choose for the first few ODIs. Kaif is an automatic selection, so someone must go for him when he returns from injury (Rao is the only dispensable one really with the form Yuvraj has been in, and the flexibility Yadav gives to the team). A fit Nehra would probably be ahead of Agarkar because I'm sick of seeing him in the team really. Maybe VR Singh in the future though?

I don't think Gambhir should be in the team just yet. I've heard and read thoughts that with Tendulkar returning after such a long lay-off, he should be protected from the new ball and possibly open. I'm not sure about that, but if that were to happen Gambhir would probably fit the mould at the expense of Rao, with Tendulkar going to 3.

 

[honestbharani]

Actually, I think it is just that Sachin won't be playing the whole series and Gambhir is there to take his place whenever he isn't playing.

 

[Sanz]

I agree that Ganguly still has something to offer Indian cricket in the limited overs game, but NOT as an automatic selection. He has to prove himself in domestic cricket once again.

How about 2 wicket and a century on a Green Top.

http://www.icc-cricket.com/india/content/story/222744.html

http://www.expressindia.com/cricket/fulliestory.php?content_id=80433

 

[Jono]

That is great to see. I still feel Dravid should be captain though.

What I find really promising was that Mongia was willing to take it up to Ganguly, and got his fastest bowlers on specifically bowling to his weakness. Those things need to be seen if India's domestic performances are going to be good indicators of how good the up and coming players are, along with those who used to be in the senior side as well.

 

[Arjun]

The practice match between SL and MCAXI is being shown on DD Sports. SL are 126/4 and are taking the singles with ease. Salvi got hammerred, but still got a wicket. Malvi got two for 26. Fielding isn't anything out of the ordinary but for Praful Waghela (maybe UP or Haryana could have given the Lankans a good run for their money), but they did lose four quick wickets. Now it's time the Mumbai fielders find chinks in Arnold and Dilshan, which will help the Indian team in the forthcoming ODI series. As this makes the screen, a faster one from Kulkarni rose sharply at Arnold, Kulkarni appealed, turned down, no run.

 

[Arjun]

Medium-pacer Abhishek Nair got one to move away, Arnold edged to keeper Samant and Nair got his second scalp. In comes Samaraweera.

 

[Arjun]

Brilliant stop by Nilesh. So much for his age- he's very fit and stopped one struck back and saved four runs. Very fast stumping attempt by Samant (he's still missing an India cap!), but it doesn't move the umpire.

 

[Arjun]

Slower one by Nair pitched outside leg, came back into Samaraweera, who clipped the ball straight to Vinayak Mane at mid-wicket. Third scalp for Nair. The Mumbai side have to get on top now- they have a very good chance.

 

[honestbharani]

who are the commentators?

 

[Deja moo]

Why is it that some cricketers come good only when its personal reputation at stake ? For 2 whole years, the team needed him, and Ganguly couldnt get going. Now that its personal, he comes up with the goods (well, atleast the potential beginings ).

 

[chaminda_00]

Nice to see Maharoof add some respectablity to the Sri Lanka score. I think his 64 is his highest List A score. Hopefully the selectors don't do overboard with this innings and start playing him as an all rounder.