Good luck, Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary is all set to make his debut for India against Bangladesh on Thursday. Aakash Chopra, the Indian opener (who writes quite well, I might add) once wrote this about debuting for one’s country –

All of us, irrespective of what others think, strive for excellence and endeavor to become the most important member of any group or team we represent.

If you’re an international cricketer, chances are that you’re the most important member of the state or county side you play for. There’s a conscious pride and responsibility in that and it’s a feeling that often inspires you to do well and provides the ideal scenario to do so.

It’s different when you’re the newest (and most expendable) member of the squad. You need a boost. Walking into (what is suddenly, even at home) an unknown arena for the first time, hoping and believing you’ll succeed is nerve-wracking.

There might be no demons in the wicket and the transformation might actually be very smooth but till you haven’t done it yourself, it’s one of the world’s great mysteries.

I hope all newcomers to the Indian team get the much needed “boost” from the seniors. The media needs to stay off their back and allow them to settle down. Immediate comparisons to a Sachin, Kumble, Kapil or Gavaskar will only add more pressure. The fans shouldn’t read too much into their immediate success or failure. Just give them the time they need…and let’s hope for the best.

Good luck, Tiwary. No matter what, enjoy your cricket and play your natural game. Once you do that, success will automatically follow…

-Mahesh- 

Team for 1st ODI against Bangladesh

In a couple of days the first ODI between India and Bangladesh is to be played and it is time to speculate what the playing XI will be. 

Let me start by first penning down the absolute certainties –

• Dravid
• Dhoni
• Z Khan
• MM Patel
• V Sehwag
• Yuvraj Singh

I feel Manoj Tiwary is going to be given the cap, and India will play at least one spinner, which will be taken up by RR Powar. We need another bowler and it will be tough toss up between RP Singh and Sreesanth. RP Singh has surprised everyone with the bounce he has been able to extract and I feel he may just edge out Sreesanth for the first game. 

• M Tiwary
• RR Powar
• RP Singh

There are two more batting slots and four people competing for it – Uthappa, Gambhir, Karthik and Mongia. I feel Uthappa will beat Gambhir for the opener’s slot and Karthik may just edge Mongia out.

• Uthappa
• Karthik

So, here is the team in batting order –

Sehwag, Uthappa, Dravid, Yuvraj, Tiwary, Dhoni, Karthik, RR Powar, Z Khan, RP Singh, MM Patel

-Mahesh-