No it hasn't happened yet but, we look into the gloomy future ahead of the jokers running the selection panel. So, we can say "I knew that would happen...". Injuries have been the toast of IPL this season. Either it is Yuvi, Bhajji, Zak coming out of injuries or MSD, Gauti, Bhajji getting injured. So unless the BCCI share confidential fitness reports with us it will be difficult to strike the exact squad they are likely to pick. But we'll have a go at it anyway.
LIKELY SQUAD STUDY:
Certainties: MSD©, Viru, Gauti(subject to fitness), Yuvi, Raina, Bhajji, Zak, PK, Yusuf.
Hopefulls: Virat Kohli, Manish Pandey, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma, Sudeep Tyagi, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, Irfan Pathan & Saurabh Tiwary (both not in the announced 30 probables list)
CASE I: It seems like a choice between a specialist spinner a part time spinner and a genuine batsman from the looks of it. Gambhir's fitness will play crucial. Pandey has done well as an opener for RCB so he may benefit from the body blow to Gauti.
Ojha, Mishra have lots at stake in the their next games. One spot or maybe no spot available if selectors go with Jadu and Yusuf. Or we must pray Bhajji can pick another injury soon.
CASE II: Be-sharam Sharma(s):
Rohit Sharma probably the only notable name we are bold enough to drop courtesy Robin's innings last night against CSK. He just won the lottery! Could not have come at a better time Robin! But the tournament is a long one, Rohit is one the leading performers for DC in IPL he should just let his performance do the talking. And he can bowl better than Virat and Robin so, hopes are alive. Ishant Sharma will have to do some magic à la Robin to get back his mojo.
CASE III: The plot thickens with Irfy and Tiwary who have impressed all with their show in the IPL so far. But, whether BCCI can pick outside the 30 probables is still not clear to us.
So, under these circumstances the squad is most likely to be --> MSD©, Viru, Gauti, Yuvi, Raina, Bhajji, Zak, PK, Yusuf, Jadu/Ojha, Pandey, Kohli, Robin/Rohit, Karthik*, Tyagi, Vinay Kumar (if Irfy can't make it)
FINAL CALL: Kathik's wicket keeping ability should get him the ticket. Pandey has been a revelation, would be sorry if they left him behind. Virat has not had time in the middle thanks to the RCB top-order stealing the show but, his ODI form was good and hope selectors show faith in him. Vinay Kumar is a doubtful pick but, (with Nayar injured) playing in West Indies and as a back up seamer he has shown promise!
How can you still have hope for Irfan Pathan!
ReplyDeleteguys... the team is out and i m most suprised by the inclusion of chawla and vinay kumar.... ojha and mishra are far better as fas as bowling is concerned.. even murli kartik has more wickets and better economy rate(below 6)...although chawla is a better fielder and batsman....vinay kumar has not been tht impressive either to get a ticet to world cup
ReplyDelete@ Purna - Irfy preferred over injured Nehra.
ReplyDelete@ maulik - Chawla's inclusion shocking indeed. Vinay was expected, had a good ranji season to back him with the current RCB party.
But, leaving out Pandey was utterly disappointing! Considering he can open the batting if Gauti is not fit.