Welcome to The Hindu's Live chat. Discuss with our Sports writers K.C. Vijayakumar, N. Sudarshan and Suresh Menon.
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Virat Kohli's big test as captain. Good. Can Kohli become another Sourav Ganguly? Comment by Madhu
Reply by The Hindu
Virat Kohli has an aggressive streak much akin to Sourav Ganguly but whether he could be like the latter remains a matter of conjecture. Ganguly had five greats under him - Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, V.V.S. Laxman, Anil Kumble and Virender Sehwag - while Kohli helms a team in transition. It will take some time for him and the team to settle down.
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Can Kohli mirror Dhoni's tactics atleast? Comment by Meenakshi
Reply by N. Sudarshan
Mirror Dhoni? Well... A lot of times Dhoni gave the look of one who was way too defensive. Kohli is supposed to be a departure from that
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
Dhoni largely followed the four-bowler theory while Kohli has plumped for five, there is a divergence in approach there.
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Dhoni was not a particularly good Test tactician, so it might not be a good idea. - Suresh Menon
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I hope aggression is entirely different from temperamental? My question is can Kohli leads aggressively and compose his temper on the field. Comment by Madhu
K.C. Vijayakumar
He has to find that balance, Kohli has had a few issues with the media too as was evident in the Australia tour. He has to sober down a bit as an Indian captain, the scrutiny is enormous.
K.C. Vijayakumar
But yes, as a captain he is bound to be aggressive
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Since Vijay Kumar spoke about the four bowler theory, i would like to ask this question: Is India a bit undercooked to successfully implement it? Is the team ready? There is so much flux in the batting line-up. - N. Sudarshan
N. Sudarshan
Implement the five-bowler theory i mean
K.C. Vijayakumar
Yes, except for Murali Vijay, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, the others haven't really pulled their weight for a while. Plus there is the issue around opening, personally I feel K.L. Rahul should get a go with Vijay as he scored a ton in Australia.
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It will be good to see how Kohli plans over a series. If you see an innings, a match, and a series as a series of concentric circles, Kohli has done well in the first two. - Suresh Menon
N. Sudarshan
A thing we noticed during the pre-series press briefing was this: He talked about bowlers getting a chance to assume responsibility and getting a chance to implement their plans. He said he would step in if the Plan A goes wrong. What does that indicate? A more collaborative sort of captain as compared to Dhoni?
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Has the captainship affected Kohli in his batting? He has not scored well in the recent past. Will he be able to rise to the occasion and come out successful in the first series itself? Comment by Madhu
N. Sudarshan
To early to judge i would say. Kohli himself said before leaving for Lanka that it has not been a burden
K.C. Vijayakumar
Kohli suffered a blip in England but otherwise he has been fine.
K.C. Vijayakumar
I don't think it is a burden on him, atleast for now.
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Where Kohli has something in common with Dhoni is that both enjoy captaincy. Whether he is successful straightaway or not, that is in his favor. We have had reluctant captains in the past who tended to be less successful. - Suresh Menon
K.C. Vijayakumar
Sir, you have seen Tiger Pataudi in his prime, in that pantheon where would you place Dhoni and Kohli? Especially in terms of attitude and strategy?
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For the Sri Lanka test, who all will be in the top order? Comment by Anu
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
Vijay, Rahul/Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Kohli, Rahane. Unless there is a change of heart with regard to Cheteshwar Pujara.
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Suresh Menon sir. I saw your article about the importance of toss? Will toss play a major role in the sub-continental pitches where two sides play with good spinners on their side. Comment by Suresh
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Tiger was a positive captain who was not afraid to risk a defeat in pursuit of victory - it is a trait that Kohli displayed in Australia, and that was impressive. It is too early to say of course, but Kohli certainly has the potential. Dhoni began well, with a series of wins, then got over defensive as the thought of losing became anathema. - Suresh Menon
K.C. Vijayakumar
Yes, Dhoni tended to drift in Tests unlike the pro-active role he played in ODIs
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The toss will be important, but not necessarily crucial. Both teams have experienced spinners. It will be interesting to see what combinations finally play, especially since Kohli has spoken of going in with five bowlers. - Suresh Menon
N. Sudarshan
Sir, is India ready for the five-bowler experiment?
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Another question to you all. Dhoni cool-headed approach brought laurels to Indian cricket. India rose to No.1 ranking during his tenure. Can Kohli revive Indian Test team and snatch victories abroad (even though it is early). Did Kohli has this instinct under his belly? - Suresh
K.C. Vijayakumar
Kohli has the instinct just that the team has to take shape and stabilise.
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Five bowlers makes sense since Ashwin in the subcontinent should count as an all rounder. - Suresh Menon
Reply by N. Sudarshan
With Ashwin a certainity, who would you like the other spinner to be? Amit Mishra?
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
True, Ashwin has the batting credentials
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A thing we noticed during the pre-series press briefing was this: He talked about bowlers getting a chance to assume responsibility and getting a chance to implement their plans. He said he would step in if the Plan A goes wrong. An indication of a more collaborative sort of captain as compared to Dhoni? Your comments please. - N. Sudarshan
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
But Sudarshan, at times Dhoni got his rewards too by imposing himself, remember Lord's when he insisted that Ishant bowl bouncers and England capitulated?
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
What could also work in Kohli's favour is that this is his team and the lone senior Harbhajan is just working his way back into the team
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Ishant made waves during the warm-up match. Since the five bowler theory comes in. Will it three fast bowlers plus Ashwin and Harbhajan or two fast bowlers with three spinners. - Suresh
Reply by N. Sudarshan
This is bit tricky. Contrary to expectations, pitches in Lanka are no longer that spin friendly.
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
And if there is a possibility of reverse swing, three fast bowlers can be handy
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My instinct is to say pick the five best bowlers regardless of type. But the conditions would come into the equation too. - Suresh Menon
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
Sir, now that we are talking of two off-spinners together, how was it when E.A.S. Prasanna and S. Venkatraghavan bowled together?
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
I mean, should we get into this either-or equation when it comes to Ashwin and Harbhajan? Why not together?
Reply by N. Sudarshan
Ashwin in fact said himself and Harbhajan were two different bowlers
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
Yes they are but as Sir said, if they are part of the five best bowlers, then they get to play together
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
But Ashwin remains the first-choice spinner
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Another selection that warrants a discussion is Rohit Sharma at number 3. Kohli made it clear that he wants somebody who can dominate from that position; a la Ricky Ponting. Your thoughts? - N. Sudarshan
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
It is a tricky one, Kohli wants to be the enforcer, speed up things, ring in five bowlers, get Rohit in at three to hustle the runs.
Reply by N. Sudarshan
Too many ifs here?
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
But we also need men to bat time in Tests, for now Vijay fits into that slot.
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
Yes, too many ifs
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Like Ashwin and Harbhajan, Venkat and Prasanna were distinctly different off spinners. Prasanna was happy to 'buy' his wickets, tempting the batsman to hit him while Venkat was a brilliant defensive bowler who could chip away at a batsman's weakness. It would make sense to play both off spinners if for nothing else but to arrive at a final decision over Harbhajan's place in the team. - Suresh Menon
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What will be the tactics of Kohli to take the big wicket of Kumar Sangakkara who will be playing his farewell series? Sangakkara is one of the finest batsman against India. He has a good record against India. - Anonymous
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
It is Sangakkkara's farewell series and there is bound to be a whole gamut of emotions around him. If the Indians can tie him down, build the pressure and work on his patience, Kohli might well nail him.
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I agree with Vijay Kumar. It is a tricky one, Rohit at 3. But sometimes a captain's confidence in a player can make a world of difference. - Suresh Menon
N. Sudarshan
How long a run should he be given sir?
K.C. Vijayakumar
Number three is a pivotal position and in the past, batsmen at that slot have had a long run. We have had Dilip Vengsarkar and then Rahul Dravid at that position. If Kohli is backing Rohit to click, obviously he deserves a full series and then judgement can be made.
N. Sudarshan
True. He did speak about the need to give Rohit ample opportunities
K.C. Vijayakumar
It is interesting that when about two years back, the either-or question would have been about Rohit and Rahane and it is a credit to the latter that he has become a certainty.
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Rohit Sharma has been given a good run, I think. This series might be a good way of arriving at a conclusion about the futures of such players as Harbhajan and Rohit. As I have said often, a young player must be given a chance to succeed; a senior player must be given a chance to fail. - Suresh Menon
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Pujara or Rahane at No.3. My option goes with Pujara. What are the opinion of the experts. Comment by Madhu
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
I would prefer Pujara
Reply by N. Sudarshan
In the present Indian line-up i think only Rahane at No. 5 is set. I think we ought not to disturb him
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
But as Sir said, if the skipper has faith in a player, like in this case Rohit, we might as well hope that the faith is repaid.
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
Yes Vijay and Rahane are the only ones, who are set.
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Yes, Rohit was overtaken first by Kohli and now Rahane. There's a pattern here. - Suresh Menon
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Coming to the pace bowling department, how do we assess the strength? Umesh and Aaron are quick but wayward at times too. How to marry pace and control? - N. Sudarshan
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Yes I agree with Mr. Suresh Menon. Rohit was given ample opportunities. But Rahane has shown he is far ahead of Rohit. Comment by Madhu
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This has been the quest for all fast bowlers - pace with control! - Suresh Menon
Reply by N. Sudarshan
If it boils down to two quicks, who would your picks be sir?
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
For many years, Zaheer Khan played the role of the mentor and it helped the bowlers. Now there is a paucity about localised-leadership and we are not sure if Ishant could be that mentor.
Reply by Suresh Menon
Ishant still a promising youngster after 60-odd Tests?
Reply by Suresh Menon
To answer your question, Ishant and Yadav.
Reply by N. Sudarshan
Still a spearhead in the making !
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Let me throw one up in the air - how about Kohli at No. 3? - Suresh Menon
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
He can well be the player to press the innings forward.
Reply by Suresh Menon
Some great captains have controlled the innings from No3. Bradman, Chappell, Dravid...
Reply by N. Sudarshan
Kohli like in the one-dayers? Interesting
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
A bit unrelated but hasn't Sangakkara got his retirement spot-on unlike many who were gently nudged out, the latest being Clarke?
Reply by Suresh Menon
Recent players seem to do this better: Sourav, Sachin, VVS, Rahul, Kumble...
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How are we to judge Wriddhiman Saha. At No. 6 in a five-bowler team, he will have more to do. Already wicket-keepers who dont bat are a despised lot. Your comments. - N. Sudarshan
Reply by Suresh Menon
I don't think the responsibility falls on you - such things are judged in hindsight...
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
True
Sankaran Sankaran
KL Rahul could don the wicket keeper gloves. Saha should be dropped. But leaving out specialist wicket keeper when we are playing with five specialist bowlers is not a welcome decision,
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
Rahul has kept wickets in zonal limited overs tournaments but to thrust him with wicket-keeping gloves at the Test level, would be tough on him.
Reply by Suresh Menon
Lets not do with one Rahul what we did with the other. Wicketkeeping is a specialist's job.
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Much of it seems to be a balancing act: Should Kohli attack all the time or sit back sometimes? How much pace should Umesh and Aaron bowl at and how much at the expense of control? What should Saha do? Focus on batting or keeping? and so on.. In that context how do you see this series shaping up? - N. Sudarshan
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
It is about two teams still coping with new personnel and two captains getting a grip on their squads. Whoever adjusts faster, could well hold the reins of the series but Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is always a doughty opponent.
Reply by K.C. Vijayakumar
It is also about seeing perhaps the last of the titans - Sangakkara.
Suresh Menon
The series will be a pointer to the future - how youngsters from both side, settle in and how the seniors finish so they can either leave on their own or be pushed out by the selectors with a clear conscience.
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Should be a series that will help both India and Sri Lanka get a fair idea about squad-composition and perhaps getting a fix on the various slots within the ranks. Kohli for instance could take a final call on a comeback man like Harbhajan and someone like Rohit, who still remains a floater in Tests. - K.C. Vijayakumar
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The Ashes has been a disappointing series cricket-wise. Test cricket needs a strong contest between evenly matched sides to keep its relevance. Lets hope for just such a series in Sri Lanka. There's always the joy of watching young captains build their teams too. - Suresh Menon
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In light of what has happened in the Ashes, as Suresh sir just said, this a chance for India to may be win and show that they can tour a bit too ! That is if you consider Lanka to be alien conditions. Apart from South Africa cant recollect a team which has seemed good away from home. - N. Sudarshan
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Thanks to Sudarshan, K.C. Vijayakumar and special thanks to Suresh Menon also. - The Hindu
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Thank you readers for participating. - The Hindu
