Critical series for youngsters

It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by the disaster that overtook India in the Test series but the beauty of cricket is things can change overnight. A few of the advantages I can straightaway see with the Indian one-day squad is the athleticism and speed which the youngsters will bring across the turf. The daredevilry, so shockingly missing from the Test squad, will hopefully be exhibited by the younger lot and it can make a world of difference. Also I have always believed India tend to play better in one day series where they are more relaxed with the cushion of games in hand as opposed to a triangular with a final that becomes the all important game.

The biggest issue the Indians had in the Tests was the lack of initiative from the batsmen in taking on Ajantha Mendis and Muthiah Muralitharan. Openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag were the exceptions and the figures bear out their relative success. Indeed, they were a principal component in India staying alive till the final Test, or it could well have been 3-0 at the end of the series.

It will be a critical series for India’s youngsters many of whom are trying to establish themselves. Robin Uthappa is cooling his heels at home and the inclusion of two young faces, Virat Kohli and Badrinath, are enough to keep everyone on their toes.