SQUAD SELECTION FOR AUSSIE TOUR DOWNUNDER

It’s been a mixed year for the Men in Blue. After the high of reaching the World Cup semi-final, in the first half of 2015, it has been all downhill for India’s limited-overs team under skipper MS Dhoni. The two traumatic blows in the period of slump being the away loss to Bangladesh and the humiliation at the hands of South Africa at home.

These string of failures have put Dhoni’s captaincy under the scanner, especially at a time when the Test team is doing so well under Virat Kohli. So is Dhoni still the right man to be in-charge of the limited-overs squads? This is a tricky question that the national selectors face, as they meet in Delhi on Saturday to pick the Indian team for the upcoming tour of Australia. India will play five ODIs and three T20 internationals, starting January 12, next year.



According to a source, the selectors are unlikely to make major changes with the World T20 round the corner.

“Dhoni might face some scrutiny, yes. But I don’t think there will be a change of guard. That will be a knee-jerk reaction,” he said. So the status quo is set to be maintained  unless the BCCI and its senior selection committee decide to spring a coup on the floor.

They will also decide the squad strength on the floor. In all likelihood, it’s going to be 16, which usually has been the case for trips abroad. On the eve of the meeting, the big talking point was about Yuvraj Singh, who after a few creditable outing has emerged as a contender for a middle-order berth.

The 34-year-old hasn’t played for India since April 2014, but assuming that at least 8 batters, including Dhoni, would be picked, a couple of vacancies appear to be up for grabs. After scoring 398 runs in 7 group league games in the Ranji Trophy this term, Yuvraj has made 341 at a strike-rate of 103.64 in five matches in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. “This team does not have the kind of experience and thrust that Yuvraj provides at No. 5 and 6. His experience can still count. I understand where the selectors are coming from but I feel a little sorry for Yuvraj,

“This team does not have the kind of experience and thrust that Yuvraj provides at No. 5 and 6. His experience can still count. I understand where the selectors are coming from but I feel a little sorry for Yuvraj,” Sunil Gavaskar had said during South Africa series. It would be interesting to see whether the Patil-led panel agree.

Middle-order uncertainties are a reason for India’s limited-overs slump. With Dhoni gradually losing his attacking mojo, they’re also bereft of explosive death batting.

With Yuvraj back in contention, Ambati Rayudu’s position looks vulnerable. The Baroda batsman was kept out of the playing XI in the ODIs against South Africa after a Kagiso Rabada full-toss had castled him in the T20 fixture at Barabati.

Rayudu is not setting the stands on fire in domestic cricket either and may face the chop. Gurkeerat Singh, however, is likely to be retained with. The 25-year-old didn’t get a game against South Africa but scored 251 runs, including a double hundred, in three matches for Punjab after returning to the Ranji fold.

He also took 11 wickets. In the ongoing domestic one-dayers, he has made 172 runs in six matches with a strike-rate of 91.97, batting at No. 6. His part-time off-spin provides an added option to the team management. Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer is considered to be a dark horse here.

A tally of 930 runs at 71.53 in eight Ranji Trophy group league games followed by 222 runs in six matches (strike-rate 101.36) in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has is too impressive to ignore. Murali Vijay might be considered as a reserve opener.

RAVINDRA JADEJA THE COMEBACK KING !!!!!!

As far as spin bowling is concerned, Ravindra Jadeja is set to make a comeback to limited-overs fold as well. This is because of his 23 wickets and 109 runs in the Tests against South Africa. Harbhajan Singh, Axar Patel and Amit Mishra are in the mix if a third spinner is included. Stuart Binny is likely to retain his place as the seam-bowling all-rounder.

Talking about fast bowling, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron and Mohammed Shami are likely to form India’s first line of attack. Shami’s return after knee surgery is good news for India. The team badly missed the Bengal fast bowler over the past nine months. If he’s declared fit for international cricket, he would walk in.

Shami and Umesh Yadav had hunted in pair in the World Cup in Australia earlier this year, taking 17 and 18 wickets respectively. The team management eagerly looks for a reunion.

Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohit Sharma, however, are living dangerously after being pretty ineffective in the past few series. Shardul Thakur, who is sharper than both, is waiting in the wings.

Twenty-nine wickets in eight Ranji Trophy matches and six scalps in as many games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy present a strong case for the Mumbai pacer. He had also taken a four-for against the South Africans in the tour game.

written by ~ CHARITHARDHA