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[keep-it-cool]

Kaif retained for West Indies tour

Cricinfo staff

April 20, 2006

Mohammad Kaif has retained his place in the Indian squad for the tour of West Indies, starting in the second week of May. The selectors announced an unchanged squad for the Caribbean tour, where India are scheduled to play five one-dayers.

Full report to follow ...


Indian squad
Virender Sehwag, Robin Uthappa, Rahul Dravid (capt), Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Suresh Raina, Venugopal Rao, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Irfan Pathan, Ramesh Powar, Harbhajan Singh, Ajit Agarkar, Sreesanth, Rudra Pratap Singh, Munaf Patel.

[abhinav]

Damn..nothing to talk about

 

[keep-it-cool]

NOthing, Abhinav? What about the following?
- conspiracy to keep SG out continues - so what if VS scored 73 and is back in form? it was the C team of Pakistan without Shoaib and kaneria ...
- if VS is too good a resource to lose, then why is Kaif going on the tour?
- if MK is fine, then why is VR in the squad?
- Why is GC still in the squad as coach?

[dhruvdeepak]

you forgot kinkysexiologist Ian Frazier's place in the team and a few other questions:

-Will the team change depending on the EurAsia 'A' team tournament performances? Uthappa might fail miserably, Dhawan might score 3 100s. Chawla might take two or three 5fers. RP Singh might get the shellacking of his life. Venu might fail too. Do we still take the same team to WI?
-Why has the team been selected before the EurAsia cup when 6 players from the India team are slated to play in the 'A' tournament?
-Will Kumble and VVS get another go at ODI cricket? VVS is understandable, but Kumble certainly deserves a look
-Dinesh Mongia has had one of the best Ranji ODI seasons in recent history: averaging 130 with the bat (two 50s and two 100s) and 14.5 with the ball (11 wickets, SR 20.7, econ 4.21). Cant imagine what more he can do

[tombaan]

in all this dhoni is the number one one day player

[OldPal]

Damn..nothing to talk about

 

ODI TEAM:
Virender Sehwag, Robin Uthappa, Rahul Dravid (capt), Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Suresh Raina, Venugopal Rao, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Irfan Pathan, Ramesh Powar, Harbhajan Singh, Ajit Agarkar, Sreesanth, Rudra Pratap Singh, Munaf Patel.


Abhi,
Pick any one player and we will talk for ever about them  

I think this is one of the critical team selections Keeping WC -07 in mind .
IMO these are few points we can talk about:
1. Players in ODI and TESTS would be the ones those we will shortlist from(For WC).
2. The team selectors should keep the tentative test team in mind before they select 11 for ODI.
If the palyers in this ODI team Like RU, SR,VR,MK,RP,SS,MP - dont figure in their Test team, efforts should be to ensure they get ample playing chances in ODI's to get feel of pitches.
3. We will play 5 different grounds for 5 ODI's and 4 tests - This would be exhastive pitch based team evaluation exercise(we have only 7 for WC)- specifically for our spinners like RP,HS,Kumble(I am hoping he is there in team for tests).
4. No matter what sound bites come from various sections of media - I am almost certain players like SG,VVSL may not play the WC07. Kumble - Will wait for his performance  before write anything on him.
5.I have been reading Dinesh Karthik would play in tests as WKeeper- This I  think is a welcome move. They should divide two tests each between MAAHI (MSD) and Karthik.Actually if we win first two ODI games , it may not be a bad idea to send Dinesh Karthik early to WI.
6. SRT should ateast play one Test (preferably last) for env.  assimilation if he is fit to do so.
7. Munaf,RPS,VR should be tried more - Not sure what has RPS done not to be given enough chances. SS and AA score over these though.Agarkars's bowling is a welcome change.
8.Murali Karthik and PP(Parthiv) may have to watch the WC on TV it seems. Players like Badani,Mongia,GG may also not be too happy.Sandeep Patil dream of seeing GG explode in ODI may not happen soon.
9. RU - I personally don't have enough confidence in him.Team Mgmt have kept him - means they see something more in him. I had watched his innings of 86 at indore(on TV). Lets keep some points in perspective here- Eng scored 288(their highest) on that pitch with 3 half centuries. Top 4 indian batsman scored Half centuries (Ind chased it with 3 down).Not trying to take away credit from RU- but his fishing out side off stump on few occasions gave me a feeling he needs more grooming.There were atleast couple of balls on which he was undecided on kind of shots he wants to play.His Runout made us feel there are is basic cricket in him(These are unexcusable Runouts). In his Abudhabi inngs before he finally got out- He fortunately survived the plumb in first over.
10. IMO a 25 or 26 or 27 (fineleg - scores along your prediction) from VS in 30 balls is better then a 30 in 45 balls from a player like RU.VS can bowl (reminding).
11. It is a god good sign to see Dravid trying to fill in the gap of opener- What team should always keep in mind is - first 20 overs - where most of the runs can be scored.
If the wickets are kept in start then save your big hitters to slog.
Lets look at one of the cases i am pointing here:
 2 ODI -Abudhabi-  
Over Number 41 - India 210 /1 :  Scores 3 runs in the over
Over Number 42 - India 213 /1 :  Scores 2 runs in the over
Over Number 43 - India 215 /1 :  Scores 1 runs in the over

While giving PAKI bowlers credit for stopping runs - If india is not sure they can slog later in innings - Their starting and middle overs should be trying few shots to balance this.
Enough of SHIKAAYATEN ..
Let me get some work done now - else will have to join CiricketVoice FULL TIME  

[keep-it-cool]

you forgot kinkysexiologist Ian Frazier's place in the team and a few other questions:

-Will the team change depending on the EurAsia 'A' team tournament performances? Uthappa might fail miserably, Dhawan might score 3 100s. Chawla might take two or three 5fers. RP Singh might get the shellacking of his life. Venu might fail too. Do we still take the same team to WI?
-Why has the team been selected before the EurAsia cup when 6 players from the India team are slated to play in the 'A' tournament?
-Will Kumble and VVS get another go at ODI cricket? VVS is understandable, but Kumble certainly deserves a look
-Dinesh Mongia has had one of the best Ranji ODI seasons in recent history: averaging 130 with the bat (two 50s and two 100s) and 14.5 with the ball (11 wickets, SR 20.7, econ 4.21). Cant imagine what more he can do

agree with most of what u say DD .. btw, my questions were mostly sarcastic .. didn't mean anything .. but yours have merit ... only thing is I wouldnt be too eager to get mongia back as yet ... i mean he got his chance and had a similar record before that as well ... if i have to get someone back, i'll get hemang badani back first before looking at mongia ... plus the current guys all deserve to be there .. cant think of any undeserving selection (yeah, including kaif and rao)

[OldPal]

OK guys don't smite me for this --
Let us consider a Scenario for WC where Dhoni is Injured -
Will Dravid fill in at that time or we would be looking at DK ?

[toney]

Pankaj, dont be scared of smites.
Unless RD opts to keep wkts himself, DK is definitely first choice when Dhoni is unavailable. He is a decent keeper; Dhoni came in because of his big hitting prowess.

[OldPal]

Pankaj, dont be scared of smites.
Unless RD opts to keep wkts himself, DK is definitely first choice when Dhoni is unavailable. He is a decent keeper; Dhoni came in because of his big hitting prowess.

Dravid has not been keeping from sometime now- Doing it only for WC (if the scenario arises) would not be smart.Sometimes a quick stumping or a converted half chances make the difference. I feel DK involvemnt currently in recent matches is readying him for contingency ..

[abhinav]

I also read somewhere that Utthappa has wicket keeping talents as well..anyone knows more about it?

This series indeed is critical, plainly because we will get to play on grounds and pitches that will be used for the WC. IMO, the team going to Windies will more or less remain unchanged for the next one year, give or take a few. The experience that India will carry back from WI will be very significant for our WC preparations.

[Sahir]

-Dinesh Mongia has had one of the best Ranji ODI seasons in recent history: averaging 130 with the bat (two 50s and two 100s) and 14.5 with the ball (11 wickets, SR 20.7, econ 4.21). Cant imagine what more he can do

only thing is I wouldnt be too eager to get mongia back as yet ... i mean he got his chance and had a similar record before that as well ... if i have to get someone back, i'll get hemang badani back first before looking at mongia ... plus the current guys all deserve to be there .. cant think of any undeserving selection (yeah, including kaif and rao)

Not that I necessarily advocate Mongia's inclusion (I'm a bit undecided on that one), but his record these days is not the same as it used to be.  He mentioned once in an interview that he was working hard on his bowling because he felt being a multidimensional player was very important in ODI cricket.  That is exactly what he has done.  Mongia today has to be considered as an allrounder and not only as a batsman.  He has probably been even more successful with the ball over the past couple of seasons in domestic cricket as well as county cricket in England.  In fact, in limited-overs cricket in England, Dinesh Mongia has been one of the most effective bowlers.  He now regularly bowls and takes wickets in the longer version of the game as well.  Sometimes, it is difficult for people to envisage old players in a new role.  For example, if someone comes into the team as an allrounder, fails, and then converts into a specialist, he is still thought of and considered as an allrounder.  I, for one, would be interested in seeing whether Mongia has really imroved his allround skills enough to translate at the international level.  The perfect opportunity for this would probably have been in the 'A' team, but unfortunately, he has not been selected for that.  I think the 'A' team selection should have been based more on fringe players that have a chance of making the 2007 WC squad and not those that might make the 2011 WC squad.

[keep-it-cool]

-Dinesh Mongia has had one of the best Ranji ODI seasons in recent history: averaging 130 with the bat (two 50s and two 100s) and 14.5 with the ball (11 wickets, SR 20.7, econ 4.21). Cant imagine what more he can do

only thing is I wouldnt be too eager to get mongia back as yet ... i mean he got his chance and had a similar record before that as well ... if i have to get someone back, i'll get hemang badani back first before looking at mongia ... plus the current guys all deserve to be there .. cant think of any undeserving selection (yeah, including kaif and rao)

Not that I necessarily advocate Mongia's inclusion (I'm a bit undecided on that one), but his record these days is not the same as it used to be.  He mentioned once in an interview that he was working hard on his bowling because he felt being a multidimensional player was very important in ODI cricket.  That is exactly what he has done.  Mongia today has to be considered as an allrounder and not only as a batsman.  He has probably been even more successful with the ball over the past couple of seasons in domestic cricket as well as county cricket in England.  In fact, in limited-overs cricket in England, Dinesh Mongia has been one of the most effective bowlers.  He now regularly bowls and takes wickets in the longer version of the game as well.  Sometimes, it is difficult for people to envisage old players in a new role.  For example, if someone comes into the team as an allrounder, fails, and then converts into a specialist, he is still thought of and considered as an allrounder.  I, for one, would be interested in seeing whether Mongia has really imroved his allround skills enough to translate at the international level.  The perfect opportunity for this would probably have been in the 'A' team, but unfortunately, he has not been selected for that.  I think the 'A' team selection should have been based more on fringe players that have a chance of making the 2007 WC squad and not those that might make the 2011 WC squad.

Sahir, just one thing .. i wouldn't necessarily rate a spin bowler by his showing against England county sides ... and again, it is not as if mongia has been out of sight out of mind ... he plays in all the challengers ... but never figures among the top performers there ... and to get into the side in a fiercely competitive scenario, he probably has to deliver when and where it matters

[Sahir]

kic,
True, but he has performed exceedingly well in Indian domestic cricket as well as a spinner of late.  And I am not advocating that he be brought into the team right now, because the competition for spots is indeed very tough, but I would liked to have seen him in the 'A' side.  The problem I have is that we have not really had a good look at his bowling in particluar since he was out of the international side.  I would be interested in seeing how effective he could be with the ball against a strong Pakistan 'A' side.  I think that is a lot better selection than carrying along some 17-year old kid like Ranvindra Jadeja that can barely make his Ranji side.

[fineleg]

kic,
True, but he has performed exceedingly well in Indian domestic cricket as well as a spinner of late.  And I am not advocating that he be brought into the team right now, because the competition for spots is indeed very tough, but I would liked to have seen him in the 'A' side.  The problem I have is that we have not really had a good look at his bowling in particluar since he was out of the international side.  I would be interested in seeing how effective he could be with the ball against a strong Pakistan 'A' side.  I think that is a lot better selection than carrying along some 17-year old kid like Ranvindra Jadeja that can barely make his Ranji side.

Sahir,
Few questions:
1. Are we (and I literally mean, "we", "you", not selectors) only looking at alternative for Kaif's spot, or are we also seeing if someone is better than Venu? (DEFINITELY we need to keep in mind alternatives for Kaif atleast).

2. I would want to consider alternatives - not necessarily advocate alternatives, but consider alternative list of folks, for Venu's spot as well...just interested to see if someone is more suitable for ODI's, than Venu may prove to be...NOT dismissing Venu, lets give him the WI tour, but I have some doubts similar to what senthil has - nothing concrete yet against venu, just a gut feeling there may be better ODI players around. So, better to keep a next list of players handy incase my gut feel of Venu not cutting it in ODI's comes true. If he succeeds, great! No issues. Lets give him the due chances.

3. What do u feel abt Badani? Are u having the same interest in wanting to look at Badani now, that u have in wanting to look at DM now? Is Badani after DM in pecking order for ur interest - if so, why is DM ahead of HB for u?

4. Any other folks ur interested in looking at for that Venu/Kaif spot(s) other than DM and HB? [FOR wc-07 timeframe]

5. Just a very "feel" question - what is ur feel abt RU? Not going to hold u accountable for this, but wanted to know if u see good promise.

[Sahir]

fineleg,
1.  Personally, I am not only looking out for any one or two spots specifically, but rather for improving the team overall, no matter who that means replacing.  If I see a keeper tomorrow that will provide more than Dhoni (highly improbable, but hypothetical), then he should be looked at.  Similarly, I would like to try out any player I feel could help improve the side.  So, I am looking for batsmen (opening and middle order), pace bowlers, spin bowlers, etc.  You can never stop looking to improve.

2. Yes, Venu does deserve his opportunities, but I have stated before that I feel he is more suited to batting higher up the order.  Personally, I don't think he fits if he has to bat at 6 or lower.  He needs to be sent higher than that and allowed to build his innings.

3. Badani-- very intriguing; a player I always felt had a lot of potential, but failed to realize it.  He's actually a player that got quite a fair number of opportunities, but never cemented his spot, showing some brief flashes of brilliance, but frustrating tremendously on other occasions, much like a young Yuvraj, except Badani is not that young.  Even today, I do not doubt he has the talent to succeed (in fact, I think he has more raw talent than Kaif, Rao, and Mongia), but the question still remains over what is between the ears.  Quite often, he just seemed to bring a bit of a lackadaisical attitude to the game, which did not help him.  As far as looking at Mongia first, it just has to do with him evidently developing a skill that he did not really possess when we last saw him-- the ability to bowl.  I would like to see if he can translate any of that domestic bowling to the international level and contribute as a multidimensional player, which is so valuable in ODI cricket.

4.  I would not just limit this answer to Kaif/Venu being replaced, but look at batsmen in general, because I am of the opinion that anyone is replaceable if it makes the team better.  Furthermore, you should always be prepared for a couple of injuries at inopportune times.  Another batsman that comes to mind is Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan (will be part of the Eurasia Cup).  He is definitely someone that intrigues me tremendously with incredible power in his strokes.  Along with Yuvraj and Dhoni, he is probably the hardest hitter of the cricket ball in India, which I think could be especially effective on flat pitches.  He also can bowl pretty handy left-arm spin (actually used to be a specialist spinner until a couple of years ago, but is more a part-timer now).  Furthermore, he is flexible enough and has experience batting both at the top of the order as well as in the lower order.  That fits in perfectly with our current theme of a flexible batting lineup.  I hope I get to watch the Eurasia Cup (still no info on whether we can see it in North America, but hopefully someone in India will broadcast it online), because I will be particularly interested in following his progress.

5.  First off, I don't mind being held accountable for anything I say.  I say it because I hope it carries some meaning and I am held accountable for what I say.  Sometimes I'm right, sometimes I'm wrong, and I am willing to admit that (although I am right a lot more often that I am wrong ).  I do really like Robin Uthappa as an ODI player.  I think he could be tremendously successful and would like to see him in the ODI lineup against the WI, moving RD back down the order.  I really like players like Uthappa because I think they bring matchwinning skills in ODI cricket.  He has the ability to tear attacks apart and really win matches with a quickfire 50+.  I think we need more of that type of impact batsman in a deep batting batting lineup (with Pathan, Powar, and Agarkar in the lower order) with the likes of Dravid and Yuvraj solidifying the middle order.  Additionally, he adds a great deal in the field, saving plenty of runs, while also adding another fielder with the ability to convert half chances and create some spectacular runouts.

[fineleg]

Sahir,
Thanks! That was a very detailed (kban-ish) answer, which was exactly the kind of detail insight that I was looking for! Great to read the views.

1. "You can never stop looking to improve"...I agree completely, and we need to lookout for any type of player who is a stand-out.

2. Venu - seems like we are attributing VVS-like characteristics - not very flexible that he can bat anywhere like a YS who comes in 46th over and smashes a 9 ball 24, but more a VVS player who needs to come at #3 or #4 and build. If so, I am really interested in seeing VVS himself for that ODI spot. VVS vs Venu comparison, VVS has proven experience, Venu better fielding, bit of bowling etc...sure...lets give Venu chances and see how it goes.

3. Unfortunate that we are not being given a chance to evaluate DM.

4.  I hope I get to watch the Eurasia Cup too. Lets try to be in the loop on that.

5.  Good info on RU - I did not notice his fielding during the ENG match ODI-7, but I'd like to believe he can convert half chances and create some spectacular runouts. Will try to observe this in WI hopefully.

[keep-it-cool]

kic,
True, but he has performed exceedingly well in Indian domestic cricket as well as a spinner of late.  And I am not advocating that he be brought into the team right now, because the competition for spots is indeed very tough, but I would liked to have seen him in the 'A' side.  The problem I have is that we have not really had a good look at his bowling in particluar since he was out of the international side.  I would be interested in seeing how effective he could be with the ball against a strong Pakistan 'A' side.  I think that is a lot better selection than carrying along some 17-year old kid like Ranvindra Jadeja that can barely make his Ranji side.

Did not know DM was not in the India A side, my mistake … I agree that is a big oversight …

And on Badani, I am not sure how he dropped off the equation finally. I know he was dropped earlier for not performing but then did he not make a come back for the Pak tour of 2004 – of course the only thing I remember about him on that tour is his presence in the frame while Kaif took that brilliant catch. But did he get any opportunities since then before being dropped (I do not quite remember any)?

[OldPal]

*** Truncated Text
5.  Good info on RU - I did not notice his fielding during the ENG match ODI-7, but I'd like to believe he can convert half chances and create some spectacular runouts. Will try to observe this in WI hopefully.

FL -
This is what RD had about RU
Source:
http://ia.rediff.com/cricket/2006/apr/20drav.htm

Asked if it was unfair to leave out Robin Uthappa yesterday after failing in the previous match, Dravid said, the Karnataka opener still needed to develop some skills.
"Robin is young, he is 20-year-old, it is a learning experience for him. He needs to develop some of the skills. You don't get to be in the Indian dressing room at 20, you just learn being with the squad."