The Kotla, over the years, has always been a lucky ground for India. I wouldn’t be surprised if it continues to be so as India appear all set to give the finishing touches to the series.
In fact, we are certainly in with a chance and must go all out to wrap up the series at the Kotla, rather than leave it for the last Test at Nagpur.
At present, India are playing their best cricket for a long time what with the likes of Zaheer, Ishant, Harbhajan, Kumble and Mishra looking in great touch. Never before have all four bowlers looked like capable of bagging a five-wicket haul at any moment.
Not long ago, the Australians had just that sort of an attack with all four bowlers being potential match-winners. That has not been the case on this tour - they’ve been struggling and badly at that. I guess the Aussies will find it a tall order to get India out twice and win the Test.
The Indian selectors, however, find themselves in a dilemma. As they have already announced Anil Kumble as captain for the entire series, they’ve shut the doors on all options that could have been available. I guess Srikkanth & Co. must not get too excited and must take decisions with practicality, ruled by their heads rather than their hearts.
It will be unfortunate if Amit Mishra has to sit out. The young man did bowl very well at Mohali and was instrumental in India winning the match. However, with Anil fit for the Test, he comes in straightaway, and that would surely mean leaving out the in form Mishra.
I think the ideal thing would be to leave out a batsman as Dhoni, coming in at No.6, can easily be considered as good a bat as any of the mainstays. And the irony is that our professional selectors have thrown up their hands and left the decision to the team management. Period.
Recently, a senior BCCI official expressed concern about the dwindling number of spectators at Test match centres. I guess Test matches must be staged at centres where there is cricketing culture and history. Had he the choice, I’m positive Sachin would have preferred breaking Lara’s record in front of the packed stands in Mumbai or Kolkata or even in Chennai, where he would have got the sort of ovation he would have remembered forever and a day.
