He said, it. The Wall of Indian Cricket, with 10,000 runs against his statistics sheet in over 300 ODIs said, “the key is to play well during the middle overs”. Quite a few would say why only middle overs. Why not Power Plays and what about the last ten overs?

Well, that is exactly why? Most people (including great players as well) believe that power plays and the last overs set the tone of the match. If any body has noticed, until now, the drives have been dangerous. Yes they have been dangerous. West Indies bundled out against India, in a practice match, trying to drive, and the other day it was England’s turn.

It was so awful to see the likes of Michael Vaughan, Pietersen trying for those wayward drives. But more than that they lost wickets especially, when they were doing just about OK. And the Newzealanders, either consciously or otherwise, had maintained their flow through the middle overs. Not losing their wickets, and picking up the opposition was the key!

So one wonders, who can play excellently well during the middle overs. But if this is anywhere a suggestion, I see that Rahul is seeking experience (and basically sense) from his team during the middle overs, which are ‘boring’ for few people!

Interestingly, this means that India will be looking to use the experience of Anil Kumble. I’m not sure if he is going to be of any use, because though there is this awkward bounce thing about him, he doesn’t look dangerous. Anyways one has to see.

11fools thinks that India has better ’spinners’ in Sachin, Yuvi and Sehwag than in Bhajji & Kumble not talent-wise, but the way they can spin the balls. However of course, if Sehwag doesn’t fit the bill, it is much better Bhajji is used.

And when it comes to batting, the aim of the first three or four batsmen at crease is to make sure that they can survive a minimum of 25 overs! The rest should be taken care by Dravid (at No.5), Yuvi (at No.6) Dhoni (at No.7) But the question is whether Indian batsmen can put down their flashing attitude. I see Ganguly has done that for a fair amount of success. But if the other opener (Sehwag?) can do that, then I don’t see India sailing through to 220+ in the worst of pitches.

But if a spinner and Sehwag are added, that means one of Robin/Dinesh/Irfan will have to sit out along with the other spinner and Sreesanth (poor fellow!) But anyways I could be called a poor selector because only the team know of the composition.

Anyways…lets see it Dravid’s mantra of sticking to the wicket in the middle overs works! But remember if Bangladesh can turn a surprise, India is going to feel pressure in their final first round match against Sri Lanka!