With the ICC Champions Trophy knocking on the door, India, without the services of experienced paceman Zaheer Khan, will have to find a way to make up for the lack of strength in the department of seam bowling.
Former middle order batsman Sanjay Manjrekar and Pakistani great Wasim Akram were unanimous to say this while analysing India’s chances in the upcoming event in South Africa, scheduled from Sept. 22 to October 5.
“India’s bowling is their weakness and it brought out more from Harbhajan Singh and he bowled like a leading spinner. I think the same will have to happen in the Champions Trophy,” Manjrekar said during an interaction organised by ESPN STAR Sports (ESS), the broadcaster of the event, here on Thursday.
“Their (India’s) batsmen made up (for the lack of strength in seam bowling) with some extra runs in Sri Lanka and that’s how they won the tri-series. In Champions Trophy, the batsmen would have to do it again,” added Manjrekar.
Akram agreed with Manjrekar. “Zaheer’s absence would affect India. At this stage, experience matters a lot. (Ashish) Nehra has been doing well since his comeback. Ishant (Sharma) should do well in South Africa as he can generate bounce because of his height,” Akram said, adding Ishant has to iron out an error in his run-up.
The two cricketer-turned-commentators did not like the idea of brining in Rahul Dravid in the one-day side and strongly argued that a young batsman like Suresh Raina should not be ‘protected’ from playing short-pitched deliveries.
“I do not think it’s a long term idea (to bring in Dravid). It could be because India was knocked out in the World T20. He may be there for a year or two.
“However, protecting a batsman in the 50-over game is not good. It’s not good for Raina’s confidence,” Manjrekar said.
Akram said India should select its team keeping in view the 2011 World Cup and should give more chance to young batsmen like Raina and Rohit Sharma.
Talking about Sahin Tendulkar, Manjrekar said the master batsman has overcome a phase in his career when he was too cautious.
“That seems to have disappeared and now he is playing with a little more freedom. The last innings (the century against Sri Lanka) was refreshing, he looked as if he has gone five years back,” Manjerekar said.
Game’s future
The sixth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is going to be staged when a hot debate is on about the future of the 50-over game and this tournament will surely provide some crucial hints as to where the format is heading.
ICC General Manager Campbell Jamieson said the apex body of the sport is making every effort to hold the Champions Trophy successfully. He, however, admitted that the future of the tournament would be known after its next edition in 2013.
For Manjrekar and Akram, the 50-over format never had a problem even though it is being scrutinised more after the upsurge in the popularity of T20 games.
On the idea of splitting the 50-over game into two innings, Akram, who once played in the two innings format, said he still liked the original format which tests the skill and fitness of a player.
Manjrekar had some other arguments. “It’s a hugely popular concept over a period of years, so one has to be very careful while thinking about any change...We have some everlasting memories of 50-over cricket which is a big factor and you would not find it in T20,” he said.
Giving a rosy picture about the 50-over format’s popularity, ESPN Managing Director R.C. Venkateish said: “The response from the advertisers has been encouraging. We have signed seven clients as sponsors and an additional eight corporates for spot-buys.”
“People are watching the 50-over game and it’s proved from the television ratings,” he added.
ESS has roped in 13 well-known commentators for the live telecast of the tournament. India starts its campaign against arch-rival Pakistan at Centurion on Sept. 26 before it meets Australia and West Indies on Sept. 28 and Sept. 30 respectively. All of India’s matches will be shown from 5.45 p.m. (IST) onwards.
