India in New Zealand – Looking forward to the ODIs

India have been comprehensively defeated in the 2 T20s. Although the 2nd game went to the last ball, but really, the Kiwis seemed to have the pace of the game under control. So what’s ailing? And how should they approach the ODIs?

Pathans have flattered to deceive

Irfan Pathan has no right to occupy the 3rd seamer’s slot, especially in New Zealand. His bowling was welcomed by the batsmen in the T20s, who promptly dispatched him over the boundary on a dozen occasions. His batting comes handy at times. But in New Zealand, India needs 3 specialist seamers, and Irfan should be dropped.

Yusuf, the batting allrounder, has rarely (if ever) bowled his full quota of overs on turning tracks. His utility in New Zealand is minimal. And does he deserve a place above a specialist batsman? I would rather give an opportunity to Rohit Sharma no. 6. Too bad Ravindra Jadeja is not part of the ODI squad.

Dhoni is confused

From the evidence of the T20s, it seems that Dhoni is not sure how he should use his batting skills. He is trying to mould himself into the sheet anchor role which is just not his style. He is best at smashing the ball and that’s what he should continue doing. He should come in at no.7, after Sharma.

Bat around the master

With the young brigade failing in both the T20s, the batting will yet again depend heavily on Sachin Tendulkar. Ideally, I would have Sachin back at no.4, where he can play the steadying role, for the others to bat around him. This would also allow the Sehwag-Gambhir partnership to continue at the top of the order.

But Gambhir has looked somewhat out of sorts. So Sachin has to open, and bat and bat...

3 specialist seamers please!

I reiterate – Irfan Pathan is not good enough to be the 3rd seamer. Praveen Kumar should play all matches. Zaheer, Ishant and Munaf can be rotated for the other 2 seamer slots.

So my playing 11 will be:
1. Sehwag
2. Tendulkar
3. Gambhir
4. Yuvraj
5. Raina
6. Sharma
7. Dhoni
8. Harbhajan
9. Praveen
10. Zaheer
11. Ishant/ Munaf