World Cup 2003 - India Preview
By Shiva - 22 Jan, '03
January 22 2003
Who will be the most effective of the Indian players in SA? A rating of India's ODI batsmen and bowlers based on current form, of the players selected for the 15-man World Cup squad.
Batsmen Ratings
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Acknowledged as the No. 1 batsman (ODI and Test) in the world. Even during his lean patch in 2002, he amassed more runs than in-form batters like Gibbs, Hayden, Jayasuriya. As he admits, his focus is on producing more match-winning innings under pressure and demanding conditions. Batting at No. 4 will give him that opportunity. This may have slowed down his run scoring in ODIs, but he is still the best out there.
2. Virender Sehwag
The most explosive batsman for India, and in the world, in recent times. Tried and tested in subcontinental conditions (India, Sri Lanka) as well as away conditions (England, SA, Zimbabwe and NZ). He has emerged with flying colors. However, he is not always reliable, the main reason why Sachin is No. 1 and he is No. 2.
3. Sourav Ganguly
A dangerous and aggressive ODI batter at all times. Good show in SA, Zimbabwe, England and ICC Champions Trophy. A destroyer of any bowling attack in his own right, and one of the top ODI batsmen in the world. Recently struggled to score runs, particularly in New Zealand. But who didn't, barring Sehwag? Ganguly is more dependable than Sehwag, and the only reason he is rated below the latter is because of current form.
4-5. Mohammed Kaif / Yuvraj Singh
Both are specialist ODI batsmen, in the mold of Michael Bevan of the past. Tried and tested in crunch situations. Kaif has an edge over Yuvraj on technique, but Yuvraj is more explosive and thrives under pressure.
6. Rahul Dravid
Mr. Dependable - even in ODIs! He is the one player who has been uniformly consistent, be it Tests or ODIs. Strike rate and running between the wickets could use improvement.
7-8. Sanjay Bangar / Ajit Agarkar
The "all-rounders". Bangar has fire in his belly, displayed against WI in the ODI series. He can also score quickly. He is better than Agarkar purely for his technique, but the latter is certainly the better fielder, and also a much quicker bowler.
9-10-11-12-13. Dinesh Mongia / Harbhajan Singh / Zaheer Khan / Javagal Srinath / Anil Kumble
Mongia, Wisden's ODI batsman of the year only a year back, is unlikely to get a look into any significant WC match, based on his recent performances. Bhajji, Zaheer, Srinath and Kumble will make the team as specialist bowlers. However, Bhajji and Zaheer have shown an aptitude for clean hitting in the lower order.
Bowler Ratings
1. Javagal Srinath
He has been India's only consistent fast bowler, and is currently in great form. His economy rate is good, and wicket-taking ability superb. He also has plenty of experience and success on SA pitches. His weakness is fielding, but as a bowler he will be invaluable.
2. Zaheer Khan
He has been above average -- not as consistant as Srinath, and expensive at times. He still needs to get used to SA pitches. His batting is a plus. But he is in the team as a specialist bowler.
3. Harbhajan Singh
Economical, and a partnership breaker. He is fairly consistant. Opponents will get runs off him on batsmen-friendly (and to some extent pacemen-friendly) SA pitches, the main reason why he is rated third.
4. Anil Kumble
Plenty of experience on SA pitches. But unfortunately, he has been on the receiving end on the lively SA pitches. His experience is the only reason he will play in WC.
5. Ashish Nehra
Bowls swing at high pace, but has much to learn. He is far from a proven commodity. If he can maintain his line and length, he could be very useful.
6-7. Ajit Agarkar / Sanjay Bangar
Useful bowlers; to be used as part of fifth bowling slot. Bangar would have an edge on SA pitches compared to Agarkar. Although the latter has sheer pace on his side, Bangar has better control and swing. Neither is reliable.
8-11. Sourav Ganguly / Virender Sehwag / Sachin Tendulkar / Yuvraj Singh
Ganguly is susceptible to giving away too many runs, but he breaks partnerships. He would be handy if India notches up a large score batting first. I don't have much faith on Sehwag on spin-unfriendly SA pitches (unlike those in Sri Lanka, where Sehwag did very well in the Champions Trophy). Sachin can bowl leg spinners and off spinners, inswingers and outswingers, and must be bowled as he can be a good replacement for an out-of-form bowler in a match. Yuvraj can be a useful left arm offie on his day.
Fielder Ratings [by Gaurang]
1. Yuvraj Singh
Spectacular catching and superb ground fielding, along with a VERY aggressive mind set.
2. Mohammed Kaif
Perhaps even better ground fielding than Yuvvy, but can tense up in crunch catching situations. Not as aggressive a mindset.
3. Ajit Agarkar
Perhaps the best outfielder India has. Superb anticipation, safe catching and a very strong throwing arm.
4. Sachin Tendulkar
Not as atheletic as he used to be at 30 v. 21. But still a brilliant fielder, with immense concentration and alertness on the field and ability to read the game.
5-6. Dinesh Mongia / Parthiv Patel
Though they may not play all matches, Mongia is quick and tigerish in his movements, especially in the mid-field, while Patel is simply a brilliant wicket keeper, with very natural instincts and great hands. The only detriment is his height in taking high catches, but he makes up with his ability to take low ones!
7-10. Virender Sehwag / Rahul Dravid / Harbhajan Singh / Zaheer Khan
Sehwag has excellent reflexes and is good close in. He is also fearless, which helps when fielding at forward or backward short leg. Dravid is a good slips fielder, with safe hands, but he will play as a wicket keeper where he is merely adequate. Bhajji and Khan can move well in the deep and have strong arms.
The less said about Kumble, Ganguly, Bangar, Srinath the better (though to his credit Srinath now seems to be putting much more effort into his fielding, even running out a batsman with a direct throw in NZ!)