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[Libran]

This could be the ideal XI for the Thursday play-off

In batting order

1. SRT
2. RU
3. SG
4. RD
5. YS
6. MSD
7. AA
8. PC
9. ZK
10.RP
11.RPS

SG ...given his SR...and inability to use Power plays to advantage, can play the role of the anchor and the rest can bat around him....he will be what Bell is to England.

KKD needs to be rested... If RD does not want the opening pair to be disturbed, then RS can come in the middle and RU on standby

[keep-it-cool]

In his current vein of form, RD should bat No.3. No way SG should bat ahead of No.5. Maybe if he is put in a situation where he has no option but to go after the bowling, he will get less scratchy.

I would continue to have KKD in the side .. he looked in good touch in the first ODI. But, it is a marginal call vis-a-vis RU or RS, for that matter.

And, I am glad to see a team without Munaf in it.

[gouravk]

Why not Yuvi at 3 ?

[keep-it-cool]

Why not Yuvi at 3 ?

Either way. RD and Yuvi should play at No. 3 and No. 4 ... which order does not matter too much.

[justforkix]

My team:

KKD
RU
RD
YS
MSD
SRT
SG
PC
AA
ZK
RP

[pieterSAN]

This is from the "Gangs is useless" thread

Probably a lesson was learnt from the 1st ODI when Ganguly was run out at 2 going for a non-existent run, and the team folded up without reaching 200. So in a largely similar chase situation, and in consideration of the fact that India's tail begins at No.7 batsman, may be Ganguly decided that it is wiser to play cautiously in the beginning and keep wickets intact till say about 25 overs mark when accelerator would be pressed. I would also like to point out that the ploy was largely successful, because when ganguly got out, the asking rate was 7.33, and there were 18 overs remaining. With your finishers like Yuvi and Dhoni in place, it was reasonable to assume that we would reach the victory target comfortably. Why are we harping on the SR without looking at the actual game situation?

If we are going to commit to playing 5 bowler  than we are always going to face difficulty chasing down totals. The reason is that we cannot rotate the strike in the beginning and keep the scoring rate up. In the context of the post above, we needed 132 off 18 overs with Dhoni batting with Yuvraj. At that point, as Nass said, it was all about one wicket. To score 132 at 7 per over requires taking some risks....you lose a wicket and you are out of it. There is little insurance and to say that this ploy was largely successful is erroneous.

So if SG/SRT cannot rotate the strike, they need to take risks. But this means we have to play a 7th batsman. Show me a team that can chase 300 with the likes of Powar at 7. The guy cannot rotate strike. And he cannot hit out - twice hr mi* short pitched CRAP from Collingwood (believe it or not that was the plan...the prolly figured Powar had a height disadvantage).

So what gives? Do we play the extra batsman and take risks? Or are do we want to maintain those good looking numbers at the top order? You know the above 40 average?

[OldPal]

Surprisingly - I don't think it was the five bowler theory that made us lose yesterday.  We could have played the overs and still managed 255 .. with what ever we had. We should be smart with chasing runs.
One of the players like PC or ZK can be tried at no3 spot if we need an extra batsman.(Technically they are the same).

Try this  order if you want to play 5 bat- The biggest advantage: Most of the runouts will be down the order .
SRT
DK/GG/RU
RD
YS
MSD
SG
PC
ZK
RP
RPS
MP/AA

[OldPal]

My team:

KKD
RU
RD
YS
MSD
SRT
SG
PC
AA
ZK
RP

I am impressed(serious note) - This will ensure SRT and SG retire early and we bat 50 overs.
What about the average of these players ?  hmm .. big concern

[pieterSAN]

Surprisingly - I don't think it was the five bowler theory that made us lose yesterday.  We could have played the overs and still managed 255 .. with what ever we had. We should be smart with chasing runs.

First, I am not saying that the 5 bowler theory is flawed. I am saying that if you know that you are going to chase, why would you insist on playing the extra bowler, given the long tail? Makes no sense. To me it is clear that "the management" is worried about the threat of Anderson and Broad even if for only 8 overs.

One of the players like PC or ZK can be tried at no3 spot if we need an extra batsman.(Technically they are the same).

But this was what we tried with Pathan...and if I remember correctly, we blamed this move (partially) for him losing his action. Do we dare risk that?

Try this  order if you want to play 5 bat- The biggest advantage: Most of the runouts will be down the order .
SRT
DK/GG/RU
RD
YS
MSD
SG
PC
ZK
RP
RPS
MP/AA

Hate to nitpick, but I fear that with two right handers opening, most oppositions will tie us down. So it comes down to bringing GG in as opener or expecting KKD/RU to take risks.

[manee]

Tendulkar
Sehwag
Dravid
Ganguly
Yuvraj
Karthik
Dhoni
Pathan
Powar
Chawla
RP Singh
Zaheer Khan

Would be the best ODI team overall in my opinion.

Off to a quick start with Dravid the run scorer at 3, he has shown he can play to any situation so he will be best at three. Ganguly at four is simply because he can rebuild in the middle overs at a reasonable rate and singles won't be too much of a problem with the field spread out. Yuvraj Singh at five since it is where he excels and Karthik at six by process of elimination. Dhoni at seven for the late order hitting/finishing. Pathan at eight to add to late order hitting and also to be the fifth bowler with the help of Sehwag if needed. Powar and Chawla have proved their partnership as have RP and Zaheer.

[manee]

Tendulkar
Uthappa
Dravid
Ganguly
Yuvraj
Karthik
Dhoni
Chawla
Zaheer Khan
Powar
RP Singh

[pieterSAN]

Tendulkar
Sehwag
Dravid
Ganguly
Yuvraj
Karthik
Dhoni
Pathan
Powar
Chawla
RP Singh
Zaheer Khan

Would be the best ODI team.

Off to a quick start with Dravid the run scorer at 3, he has shown he can play to any situation so he will be best at three. Ganguly at four is simply because he can rebuild in the middle overs at a reasonable rate and singles won't be too much of a problem with the field spread out. Yuvraj Singh at five since it is where he excels and Karthik at six by process of elimination. Dhoni at seven for the late order hitting/finishing. Pathan at eight to add to late order hitting and also to be the fifth bowler with the help of Sehwag if needed. Powar and Chawla have proved their partnership as have RP and Zaheer.

I like it. Now BCCI needs to propose an amendment to the rules of the game so that we can field 12 players. 

[OldPal]

We may have to go to ICC  for that ,BCCI is busy fighting ICL .

Manee Axe one player - Let us see who is your bunny !!1

[pieterSAN]

My team:

KKD
RU
RD
YS
MSD
SRT
SG
PC
AA
ZK
RP

   I wish we could see this at least once in the series.

[arjun]

At that point, as Nass said, it was all about one wicket. To score 132 at 7 per over requires taking some risks....you lose a wicket and you are out of it. There is little insurance and to say that this ploy was largely successful is erroneous.

Well, if what Nass said is correct, and it just takes one wicket for India to be out of it ( and he is correct, no two ways about it), then are not we barking up the wrong tree when we blame Ganguly and his dot ball s for our defeat? Because it suggests that team composition lacked balance, 5 bowler strategy was stupid because then the tail begins at 5 down. And if the tail begins there, how can you ever think of chasing a total, any total? In such a situation what Ganguly did was the proper thing to do after all : keep top order wickets intact initially and try to finish in the death overs. The only thing wrong in the above tactic was that Ganguly got out at the wrong moment.

[justforkix]

Merged both topics to consolidate all posts w.r.t. squad for 4th ODI.

[justforkix]

Ganguly at four is simply because he can rebuild in the middle overs at a reasonable rate and singles won't be too much of a problem with the field spread out.

Don't underestimate Ganguly   

[pieterSAN]

At that point, as Nass said, it was all about one wicket. To score 132 at 7 per over requires taking some risks....you lose a wicket and you are out of it. There is little insurance and to say that this ploy was largely successful is erroneous.

Well, if what Nass said is correct, and it just takes one wicket for India to be out of it ( and he is correct, no two ways about it), then are not we barking up the wrong tree when we blame Ganguly and his dot ball s for our defeat? Because it suggests that team composition lacked balance, 5 bowler strategy was stupid because then the tail begins at 5 down. And if the tail begins there, how can you ever think of chasing a total, any total? In such a situation what Ganguly did was the proper thing to do after all : keep top order wickets intact initially and try to finish in the death overs. The only thing wrong in the above tactic was that Ganguly got out at the wrong moment.

I am not sure who is blaming Ganguly for the defeat, but that is not the point I make. My point is that our batsman at the top of the order in particular have to rotate strike much, much better. If the cost of keeping wickets is sacrificing so many singles, then we are going to lose more often than not by playing 5 bowlers. I concede that dot balls will build up early on in the innings, but I think there are too many dot balls being played in the middle of the innings with the field spread. If we cannot improve it we have to take risks or hope that at least one batsman plays a blinder.

I think we need a some lateral thinking on this issue so that we actually have a strategy.

[RicePlateReddy]

I think we need a some lateral thinking on this issue so that we actually have a strategy.

It could start by appointing a highly competent fielder as captain. The meek acceptance / resignation that 30 runs are a given because of fielding is unacceptable starting six months ago.

Munaf Patel should not have been brought back to the ODI team till he learns to field competently. Set a standard. I thought Nehra was flamed for his poor fielding. He has a worthy successor now.

Ajit Agarkar should have been euthanized about 4 years ago. He should have simply been given the same thing Sreesanth eats and that would have taken care of it.

[OldPal]

It could start by appointing a highly competent fielder as captain

Watching the first 3 ODI's - We will have to be without a captain in that case.

[ruchir]

SG
GG
YS
RD
RU
KKD (last chance)
MSD
AA
RPS
PC
RP

SG/YS can be 5th bowler. Takes care of our 2 worst fielders (MP, ZK).

Since there are 4 games left, I will rotate SG and SRT (for opening), playing only one of them. It will be SG, SRT, SG, SRT.

I will give GG a chance to open, poor guy is an opener after all. RU comes in middle order as 6th batsman.

YS comes at # 3 since I believe that is the best place for him. RD comes at # 4. Since KKD is not in a good ODI form, let RU come in before him and see how RU plays. I will give 2 games to RU and 2 games to RS at that position. If KKD starts scoring, I will bring him before them. If KKD fails, then RS come in his place for next 2 games. If RS is unsuccessful, KKD comes back for the last game.

We need AA to bowl death overs. ZK, MP just don't cut it. RPS is turning out to be the least harmful of the 4 pacers, so he plays. Spinners are doing well, so they play too.


It looks like lot of chopping, but with the kind of performance players are giving, I don't see any other option. Batting positions are final unless the situation demands a change.

[arjun]

If you really need to replace either SG or SRT at the top, then RU should be your man, rather than GG. GG has a career strike rate in the 70s. while RU's in 3 digits. And why would you like to replace ZK? He is your best bowler.

[Prafulla]

If you really need to replace either SG or SRT at the top, then RU should be your man, rather than GG. GG has a career strike rate in the 70s. while RU's in 3 digits. And why would you like to replace ZK? He is your best bowler.

Yes, RU should play even if SG / SRT opens (though IMO - SRT / SG must play at middle order).

[KKIRANK61]

How many times it has happened in the past and how many times I had stressed point; that the maharathies are being given undue respect as they are good for nothing in recent times. ODI performance is measured by SRs and all 3 have poor SR (Yes SRTs recent SR can not be = his career SR). Yet they continue to bat up the order, and it results in increase in RRR. Everyone appreciated SG-RD partnership. But when RRR was 6.3 when they joined and it was 7.38 when they separated. What does this indicate? Yes it indicates their consistency in spoiling RRR !! How come great batsmen manage to score at lower SR and the lesser standard batsmen are expected to score at higher SR than them! Is it not ridiculous? It has happened several times in the past. Another consistent event is these greats after scoring at their (poor) capacity manage to score 50+ and then……..they never steer the team to victory; instead quit the scene and hand over the difficult task to the lower order batters of lower capabilities (as it is believed) to bat against much tougher asking!! This is VERY DELIBERATE. They know that if they last till end the victory is impossible still and everyone will blame them then. By quitting the scene they save their pride, in fact glorify it ( due to headless supporters / followers / fans of the game) RD showed unhappiness when out ( HA ! HA! HA!) Was he capable of turning the game if remained till end ? 1000000000000% sure… not. So was the other idol ! Hence they had rightly done the better thing(for them)
In fact Indian chase for a 250+ task is very very typical ( v/s non monows)
1)   The ‘Ms’ bat at top and  if
a)   they last till over 35/40overs, RR reaches 6.5/7+, a time for them to quit (ensuring self 50s) and hand over the story to lowers. (we win only if MSD clicks eg twice v/s PAK)
b)   They collapse within 15/20; chances of MSD/YS settling and later steering are high which results into win (Harare, pune, AfricaXI)
c)   If they steer a win, check back and we will find it is v/s monows and/or task is mere 200+

2)   If MSD bats at top, chances of settling and later steering through to win are good. (eg Jaipur, BD)

When we have anyway not found any other confirmed no.3 why not make MSD as no3 with a good track record? Its as simple as that. But RD IMO is b…crook ! keeps experimenting for nothing….at the cost of win !! sending people at no3 based on DICE throw!

IMO keep MSD at no 3 permanently. Let the other order by normal and we have huge difference in outcome. Lets leterarly kill those who disagree with this, anywhere in the world. Its enough now. How long to see action replay of matches for so long while chasing 250+.

[arjun]

MSD was the reason we lost yesterday! Scoring 13 runs at a SR of 30 and getting out cheaply when Yuvi was going great guns at the other end!

[OldPal]

KK ,
you think MSD will come at no 3 and play the shots if he was playing at death say ( overs after 45).
IMO , I dont think MSD is suited for number 3.
I feel MSD and YS should get to bat between 30-50 overs(irrevant of the order dependig on match situation). If these players can play more big shots as compared ot other players, the talent must be used in those area(s).
YS from all technical reasons is a better alround batsman then MSD IMO( stats not withstanding ).
MSD did get ot bat in ODI1 with enuff overs left for him.

[ramshorns]

SG
GG
YS
RD
RU
KKD (last chance)
MSD
AA
RPS
PC
RP

SG/YS can be 5th bowler. Takes care of our 2 worst fielders (MP, ZK).

Since there are 4 games left, I will rotate SG and SRT (for opening), playing only one of them. It will be SG, SRT, SG, SRT.

I will give GG a chance to open, poor guy is an opener after all. RU comes in middle order as 6th batsman.

YS comes at # 3 since I believe that is the best place for him. RD comes at # 4. Since KKD is not in a good ODI form, let RU come in before him and see how RU plays. I will give 2 games to RU and 2 games to RS at that position. If KKD starts scoring, I will bring him before them. If KKD fails, then RS come in his place for next 2 games. If RS is unsuccessful, KKD comes back for the last game.

We need AA to bowl death overs. ZK, MP just don't cut it. RPS is turning out to be the least harmful of the 4 pacers, so he plays. Spinners are doing well, so they play too.


It looks like lot of chopping, but with the kind of performance players are giving, I don't see any other option. Batting positions are final unless the situation demands a change.

Ruchir, I do not know if you can just rotate between the two 34+ year oldies every other game at the top owing to continuity.  May be series by series is a better bet now that we cannot get rid of them so easily.  Either way it is getting rather tiring to see these guys game in and game out without the desired results. 

Unless one is a hardcore fan of either of them which I was of SRT until 2 years back when I started sensing his desire to just hangon to his place at all costs and block the development of the team.  Look there is no reason for SG and SRT and RD to appear in the top 4 spots post WC debacle.  Period.  I dont care what their records say or the current form is in ODI's

We cannot beat teams like Aus. in big games with these guys, not anymore.  So why not phase them out now, actually it should have been immediately after the WC.  But then when there is no one in the selection committee or BCCI should I say who has a plan or interests of Indian cricket in mind seems like it is a wishful thinking.

[OldPal]

I am surprised Ruchir has ZK out of the team  Three new faces GG,DK,RU all together in team , dependibility on YS for 5th bowler .

[ruchir]

PANKAJ, ARJUN --

I see no point in having 2 left arm pacers in the team when none is getting the swing they most rely on. At least RPS is better in field (compared to ZK), take wickets. RPS and ZK played in ODI 1 and 3. ZK has 1 wicket, RPS has 4. To me, having 2 left armers is a luxury for us, specially wince they are not able to use their most potent weapon - swing.

[ruchir]

If you really need to replace either SG or SRT at the top, then RU should be your man, rather than GG. GG has a career strike rate in the 70s. while RU's in 3 digits. And why would you like to replace ZK? He is your best bowler.

Reason I chose GG over RU to open is that GG looks more accomplished opener among the 2. RU looks like a front foot plant-and-hit kind, why GG plays more variety. It's my personal opinion that GG will turn out to be a better opener than RU, while RU (once in a while) may provide tear-away opening in Indian conditions.

[ruchir]

I am surprised Ruchir has ZK out of the team  Three new faces GG,DK,RU all together in team , dependibility on YS for 5th bowler .

GG and KKD are not exactly new.... 

More over, we will still have 2 seniors in the team... just not all 3 of them. Combination of YS/SG or YS/SRT might not be too bad seeing how ENG have played our spinners.

[ruchir]

Ruchir, I do not know if you can just rotate between the two 34+ year oldies every other game at the top owing to continuity.  May be series by series is a better bet now that we cannot get rid of them so easily.  Either way it is getting rather tiring to see these guys game in and game out without the desired results.

Okay, not every other game... maybe 2 games at a time. But doing it series by series may again put us in a fix if the one selected decides to graft, rather than play like an opener.

I think it's time we started having targets for openers. Chasing 282, it doesn't make sense having 35 runs in first 10 overs of PP. That's pressure right there.

[schumi]

IMO, we dont need 3 seamers and 2 spinners + YS + SRT + SG espescially looking at the way MP has bowled. Would drop MP and bring in RU at 3. This would give us depth till 7. We can also swap AA for RPS after the next match. AA deserves to sit out for 2 matches for the way he bowled in the 2nd ODI. 

SG / SRT can continue to open but both cannot be anchors. One of them has to blast out. Going by various stats, SRT will be the anchor for the 1st innings and SG will be the anchor for the second innings. RU at 3 can add more firepower to ensure that 2nd and 3rd powerplays are taken care of.

On the other hand, if we continue to play 5 bowlers, then it has to be YS at 3 consitently for the rest of the series.

[pipsqueak]

How many times it has happened in the past and how many times I had stressed point; that the maharathies are being given undue respect as they are good for nothing in recent times. ODI performance is measured by SRs and all 3 have poor SR (Yes SRTs recent SR can not be = his career SR). Yet they continue to bat up the order, and it results in increase in RRR. Everyone appreciated SG-RD partnership. But when RRR was 6.3 when they joined and it was 7.38 when they separated. What does this indicate? Yes it indicates their consistency in spoiling RRR !! How come great batsmen manage to score at lower SR and the lesser standard batsmen are expected to score at higher SR than them! Is it not ridiculous? It has happened several times in the past. Another consistent event is these greats after scoring at their (poor) capacity manage to score 50+ and then……..they never steer the team to victory; instead quit the scene and hand over the difficult task to the lower order batters of lower capabilities (as it is believed) to bat against much tougher asking!! This is VERY DELIBERATE. They know that if they last till end the victory is impossible still and everyone will blame them then. By quitting the scene they save their pride, in fact glorify it ( due to headless supporters / followers / fans of the game) RD showed unhappiness when out ( HA ! HA! HA!) Was he capable of turning the game if remained till end ? 1000000000000% sure… not. So was the other idol !

  

[KKIRANK61]

MSD was the reason we lost yesterday! Scoring 13 runs at a SR of 30 and getting out cheaply when Yuvi was going great guns at the other end!

13 in 20 balls means SR65 and not 30. But thats not the point. Any batsman takes a time to have his eye in. Its a matter of around 20/25 balls and 15 min approx. He may be deceived within that. Only thing is good batsmen pass this phase at a better % times. So any batter out within this is understandable. (as long as iy is not consistent) The point is those who survive this phase are expected to see the side through. Thats the advantage of a settled batsman. For MSD whenever he settles he rarely looks back. Instead he fulfils the needs till the end. It has been done in the past. He makes least errors when settled. And can play at higher SR. The maharathies on the other hand have past reputation (of only big scores but not of any 'win' value so often at least in case of tough askings) MAIN point is they NEVEN control RRR. It keeps climbing up. The lower player with lesser resources left (tailenders to follow) are asked to play at very high SR and that to withoutsetling. That is obvouusly difficult. Whether anybody agrees or not. But all things tried and tested and FAILED as well; fixing MSD at no3 will be a permanent solution and a sure winning formula. People forget that he can play safe also at the start. They feel that every bang-bang batter is a blind wagger. But MSD surely not. Now that he enters at RRR6/7 has to blast early which is risky ask.. (Instead what he should do is play safe,. Let the RRR 7 become 9/10. Get a 50, raise bat proudly. let the team loose. everyone will say 'in spite of a fighting 50 by MSD we lost ( ), but a great knock. He will be an adorable batter then. This is 'maharathi formula') In fact MSD is idiot as he tries a win for the team by sacrifycing self success and gets blames.

[justforkix]

SG
GG
YS
RD
RU
KKD (last chance)
MSD
AA
RPS
PC
RP

SG/YS can be 5th bowler. Takes care of our 2 worst fielders (MP, ZK).

Since there are 4 games left, I will rotate SG and SRT (for opening), playing only one of them. It will be SG, SRT, SG, SRT.

I will give GG a chance to open, poor guy is an opener after all. RU comes in middle order as 6th batsman.

YS comes at # 3 since I believe that is the best place for him. RD comes at # 4. Since KKD is not in a good ODI form, let RU come in before him and see how RU plays. I will give 2 games to RU and 2 games to RS at that position. If KKD starts scoring, I will bring him before them. If KKD fails, then RS come in his place for next 2 games. If RS is unsuccessful, KKD comes back for the last game.

We need AA to bowl death overs. ZK, MP just don't cut it. RPS is turning out to be the least harmful of the 4 pacers, so he plays. Spinners are doing well, so they play too.


It looks like lot of chopping, but with the kind of performance players are giving, I don't see any other option. Batting positions are final unless the situation demands a change.

KKD is not in ODI form  - he scored a run-a-ball 40+ in 1st ODI, hardly had anytime to bat in the 2nd ODI, 3rd ODI got out to a well-planned and executed dismissal - credit to Anderson and Broad. hardly any indications of not being in form.

Otherwise, agree with rest of your post, except ZK instead of RPS.

[justforkix]

How many times it has happened in the past and how many times I had stressed point; that the maharathies are being given undue respect as they are good for nothing in recent times. ODI performance is measured by SRs and all 3 have poor SR (Yes SRTs recent SR can not be = his career SR).

Sorry Sir. you are may off the mark here.

SRT in 2007 (16 ODIs): AVG 43 @ SR of 87 vs. career AVG of 44 @ SR of 86

RD in 2007 (18 ODIs): AVG 47 @ SR of 84 vs. career AVG of 41 @ SR of 71

[justforkix]

The point is those who survive this phase are expected to see the side through. Thats the advantage of a settled batsman. For MSD whenever he settles he rarely looks back. Instead he fulfils the needs till the end. It has been done in the past. He makes least errors when settled. And can play at higher SR. The maharathies on the other hand have past reputation (of only big scores but not of any 'win' value so often at least in case of tough askings) MAIN point is they NEVEN control RRR. It keeps climbing up. The lower player with lesser resources left (tailenders to follow) are asked to play at very high SR and that to withoutsetling. That is obvouusly difficult. Whether anybody agrees or not. But all things tried and tested and FAILED as well; fixing MSD at no3 will be a permanent solution and a sure winning formula. People forget that he can play safe also at the start. They feel that every bang-bang batter is a blind wagger. But MSD surely not. Now that he enters at RRR6/7 has to blast early which is risky ask.. (Instead what he should do is play safe,. Let the RRR 7 become 9/10. Get a 50, raise bat proudly. let the team loose. everyone will say 'in spite of a fighting 50 by MSD we lost ( ), but a great knock. He will be an adorable batter then. This is 'maharathi formula') In fact MSD is idiot as he tries a win for the team by sacrifycing self success and gets blames.

Yeah right !!! We saw all these qualities with MSD's quickfire 19(10*) in the 1st ODI !!!!!!! 

[broadbat]

All those who were fans of spaghetti westerns during the 70’s or 80’s will remember one bumbling gunslinger that provided unfailing moments of mirth by always shooting himself in the foot. You would think he should have had enough but no, there he goes again. In pain he then goes off shooting all over the place until a lucky shot on a chandelier drops it down on one of the bad guys. RD with the toss seems to be slipping into just such a character. He is hoping that he may just get lucky and shoot England out for a manageable, in the low 200’s score that the four batsmen (oops sorry make that five I forgot SRT ) in his side will then knock off in an accomplished manner.
Now if we were to assume that these are very calculated decisions meant to win the game let me elucidate why it will rarely work in the present scenario.
1.   The team being put in is the home side and they have been born and bred in these conditions, so I can assure you a little bit of cloud cover or some perceived tinge of green on the wicket is not going to give any of them a scare.
2.   The balls are not the red duke balls and hence will never swing either in sideways movement or duration as they did during the Test’s.
3.   With the fielding in his side, he will never be able to keep England below 275 and so he has to decide on the option of defending a 275 plus score or chasing it.
4.   In the event that the wicket is conducive to bowling out England for below 200, you can be sure that it will remain the same for the English bowlers.
5.   History also says that we could win a WC in England defending 183.

Now if it is a team decision, this is way I see it as to why they are opting to chase. Either the ‘seniors’ in the team do not want to be ‘found’ out on a supposedly bowling friendly wicket or RD himself is sure that the ‘seniors’ will not be able to handle it. The ghost of the WC’07 match against Bangladesh still haunts him.

Now for the team itself, I would suggest, since they have both played 3 games on the trot, rest the opening pair and play both RU and RS.
Let’s see if the next time round we can keep them down to 260 because England will win the toss and bat!

[keep-it-cool]

Well, going by Rams' theory and stats provided, RD should always decide to bat first. Because if India chases, we are anyways a batsman short. SRT to na ke barabar hi hai.