DLF Cup at Kinrara Oval

So, it boils down to the match between India and Australia - to decide the team to play West Indies in the final. Who ever thought that this would happen? Even after the Indian team lost 1-4 to WI in WI soil, atleast I didnt feel WI would appear in the final.

Anyway, what I wanted to mention here was the Indian team's performance. It has not been bad so far, despite what people might have to say. In the first match, the batting came good but the bowlers conceded 141 in 20 overs - but that wasnt enough for the match to be awarded to the Carribeans. We have seen how they can crumble in not one but 3 matches (though they won the match against Australia).

The Indians saw the other side of D/L rule in their 2nd match - once they came out, they had a target of 60/0 in 20 overs - good enough for an easy win. But, the next time they walked out, the target run-rate was more than 5.5!!! I think someone make the Rain Rules easier please...

The 3rd match was played on a sub-standard pitch - but the batting can be blamed in this match since some of the strokes played were autrocious (Dhoni, for example). But, the bowlers brought the team back to the reckoning with some good bowling. But one should appreciate Rahul Dravid's captaincy in this match - for he rotated his bowlers to ensure that most of his in-form bowlers bowled the most and benefited the team by taking wickets at regular intervals.

What will happen in the match tomorrow? India should put Australia into bat, keep getting regular wickets, restrict them to less than 250 again - they have a good chance. I think they should go for Irfan or better Ramesh Powar in place of RPS.

By the way, why was Sreesanth dropped for the Champions trophy inspite of his good show in WI - i feel it might be an attitude problem. There have been some news reports where Sreesanth has not done his image good. Maybe this was a way to keep him back on the ground.