Print

Please post once and this message will disappear! Introduce yourself, say hello, jump into a discussion...

[fineleg]

The clamors were higher for Kaif's head compared to VS' head...VS - most felt was playing alrite, but throwing his wicket away carelessly, so it was perceived that VS may hit form sooner, since he was making 20's and odd 30's.

But, Kaif was a different case - stats wise struggling, and visually if u watch him he was not fluent either.

By playing him in ODI-7 or Abu-1 or Abu-2, another failure and his selection to WI tour would have raised a  bigger uproar? Did Team Mgmt safely protect him by resting him for all matches towards the end?

Looking at him struggle in ABU DHABI merely a day or two before the WI squad would remain vivid in fans minds...a struggle a week ago, while still remembered, is "slightly", relatively less vivid...Raises this question of did they protect him from public raising an angry furor?

[back2grave]

Or perhaps he gives the best BJob amongst the lot .....   

[fineleg]

Ramshorns -
You were right - you predicted there was NO Friggin way they're gonna drop Kaif. You were right.
BUT, BUT, I think this IS IT!
The last chance - if Kaif fluffs in WI - he will have to kiss G'Bye to WC-07.
Whether or not, Kaif is in the playing 11 in WI, he better score big!!! Otherwise he is gone.

[justforkix]

By playing him in ODI-7 or Abu-1 or Abu-2, another failure and his selection to WI tour would have raised a  bigger uproar? Did Team Mgmt safely protect him by resting him for all matches towards the end?

Looking at him struggle in ABU DHABI merely a day or two before the WI squad would remain vivid in fans minds...a struggle a week ago, while still remembered, is "slightly", relatively less vivid...Raises this question of did they protect him from public raising an angry furor?

As if BCCI, Selectors and team management (read GC) give a daimn about the public 

On a serious note, Kaif is a certainty in the WC squad and that is why he is the 15 for the ODIs in WI - to get used to the conditions. In fact I think this 15 is pretty much the squad for WC07 except SRT replacing one of RU/VR. KKD may also come in for VR/RU..... otherwise IMO, this is the WC07 squad.

[justforkix]

You were right - you predicted there was NO Friggin way they're gonna drop Kaif. You were right.

Hey - I called that too 

The last chance - if Kaif fluffs in WI - he will have to kiss G'Bye to WC-07.
Otherwise he is gone.

You think so..... As long as GC is there - NO CHANCE of that happening

Whether or not, Kaif is in the playing 11 in WI, he better score big!!!

  - u mean score with the WI hotties 

[mm]

Its hard to imagine Kaif not being in the WC team.  Unless some new kid on the block comes up with out of the ordinary performances in the Champions Trophy or other games this is the WC'07 folks.  GC is not to risk anything for the pot of gold (imagine the money he will rake in licensing "The Chappell Way" and writing a book about his experiences as the Indian Coach).  We have tried guys like JP Yadav, Murali Kartik etc...  --- the only open spot is the openers slot.  SRT may not play all games in the WC and so either RD will open or RU/GG.

A few guys may not sealed their spots for the WC and there will be a toss up among them .... Uttapa, Gambhir, VRV, Munaf, Kumble, Piyush Chawla

[squarecut]

I think still there is room for one more spinner at the expense of a medium pace bowler if the WI pitches are slow.

[senthilpeter]

You were right - you predicted there was NO Friggin way they're gonna drop Kaif. You were right.

Hey - I called that too 

What the hell fineleg? I called that too..and u dont remember?!! darn 

Basically, Kaif's fielding is so special that he will feature in the squad even if he wont play in the XI. So I see him going to the WC unless some young chap makes an irrepresible case. I mean an impact-player or matchwinner comes along. Even then, only Venu may make way. Kaif will be there cos they seemed to have figured out that worst case, they'll sub him in as a fielder. And let me say this -- its a brilliant move. Having the chap field for us is priceless. Both from the team result point of view and a specator's joy point of view.

Fineleg, regarding ur original post, yes, to a great degree I believe that not playing Kaif was to 'protect' him. Of course, it dint help that Venu scored runs in ODI 1 so they couldn't possibly drop him for an out of form bat. But basically, am sure, RD/GC dint mind protecting him.
But this is what I precisely love about the new thinking in our team. Basically, if you identify someone as being valuable or with great potential, give the guy every chance to serve you well. In the past, the poor bastard wud be left on the chopping block fighting for 'his place in the side'. A bit like competitive exams -- mug hard, u are on ur own. No one gives a damn if you dont do well that one day.

Of course, this approach puts a lot of onus on the team mgmt/selectors to do their homework and get their judgement right. As long as RD is at the helm, I feel fine with this.

[keep-it-cool]

Kaif for WC07 ... has my vote. I think he has a lot to offer to this team ... and watch out, his batting will once again be an asset soon