MOHALI: World Cups are usually won by teams which have a settled look about them. If a side is chopped and changed too often in the middle of a long-winding mega event, then you can be sure it's not the filly you are going to put your money on.
One major obstacle the Indian campaign in this World Cup was facing till the quarterfinal purported to the team combination. The eleven they fielded for most group games did not always inspire confidence. The logic behind picking up a certain player at the cost of another was also not passing muster. The up-and-down performance added fuel to the selection fire.
Thankfully, the much-celebrated and heavily-discussed victory over Australia not only put India into the semifinals, it also gave the eleven a virtually final shape, consequently giving the team management peace of mind. This is one big plus India will be taking into the semifinal against Pakistan, a clash which is being called 'the final before the final.'
Before the Australia clash, the Indian combination was looking like a work still in progress with a few players, notably Piyush Chawla and Yusuf Pathan, not really making it count despite getting several opportunities. Pacers Ashish Nehra and Sreesanth too flopped in their maiden appearances. Experiments regarding the batting order were not working either.
But the Ahmedabad triumph saw things fall into place even though it took longer than what MS Dhoni probably would have in mind -- you cannot keep experimenting with the team composition till it's knockout time.
There were two major gains for India in the quarterfinal tie - R Ashwin more or less settled the debate over who the second mainline spinner would be; and Suresh Raina's gutsy cameo made it almost certain that he would be the seventh batter in the team, who is slotted to come at No.7 but may come in earlier if need arises.
As things stand now, the only player from the Ahmedabad XI who looks a bit shaky is Munaf Patel, who has found the going tough in these conditions. But it is likely that he will be preferred over Nehra and Sreesanth unless the management decides to come up with a surprise.
The selection here will probably be based on who is likely to give away least runs and keep the pressure on and not on who can get wickets. Munaf had bowled some impressive spells in South Africa during the one-day series in January on pitches suiting his style of bowling. Mohali is known to help pacemen with bounce and movement. Maybe, Munaf will extract something from the track and make his presence felt at the PCA Stadium.
Having a settled side lessens the burden on the think-tank which can then spend its energies on other aspects of preparation and planning. It's better for the players too as they can prepare without any uncertainty clouding their minds.
The Indian squad which trained at the ground here on Sunday for about two hours looked a happy, animated bunch while playing football and volleyball.
This augurs well as the pressure is immense. And anything which helps lessen the stress must be welcome. The firming-up of the eleven would surely have helped.
Misbah is hoping bits-and-pieces Pakistan will come up trumps against the more star-studded Indians.
toi
One major obstacle the Indian campaign in this World Cup was facing till the quarterfinal purported to the team combination. The eleven they fielded for most group games did not always inspire confidence. The logic behind picking up a certain player at the cost of another was also not passing muster. The up-and-down performance added fuel to the selection fire.
Thankfully, the much-celebrated and heavily-discussed victory over Australia not only put India into the semifinals, it also gave the eleven a virtually final shape, consequently giving the team management peace of mind. This is one big plus India will be taking into the semifinal against Pakistan, a clash which is being called 'the final before the final.'
Before the Australia clash, the Indian combination was looking like a work still in progress with a few players, notably Piyush Chawla and Yusuf Pathan, not really making it count despite getting several opportunities. Pacers Ashish Nehra and Sreesanth too flopped in their maiden appearances. Experiments regarding the batting order were not working either.
But the Ahmedabad triumph saw things fall into place even though it took longer than what MS Dhoni probably would have in mind -- you cannot keep experimenting with the team composition till it's knockout time.
There were two major gains for India in the quarterfinal tie - R Ashwin more or less settled the debate over who the second mainline spinner would be; and Suresh Raina's gutsy cameo made it almost certain that he would be the seventh batter in the team, who is slotted to come at No.7 but may come in earlier if need arises.
As things stand now, the only player from the Ahmedabad XI who looks a bit shaky is Munaf Patel, who has found the going tough in these conditions. But it is likely that he will be preferred over Nehra and Sreesanth unless the management decides to come up with a surprise.
The selection here will probably be based on who is likely to give away least runs and keep the pressure on and not on who can get wickets. Munaf had bowled some impressive spells in South Africa during the one-day series in January on pitches suiting his style of bowling. Mohali is known to help pacemen with bounce and movement. Maybe, Munaf will extract something from the track and make his presence felt at the PCA Stadium.
Having a settled side lessens the burden on the think-tank which can then spend its energies on other aspects of preparation and planning. It's better for the players too as they can prepare without any uncertainty clouding their minds.
The Indian squad which trained at the ground here on Sunday for about two hours looked a happy, animated bunch while playing football and volleyball.
This augurs well as the pressure is immense. And anything which helps lessen the stress must be welcome. The firming-up of the eleven would surely have helped.
Misbah is hoping bits-and-pieces Pakistan will come up trumps against the more star-studded Indians.
toi
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