Conditions should give India plenty of confidence
The inaugural match of the ICC KnockOut trophy went according to the general consensus with India notching up a comfortable victory over the host nation, Kenya
Woorkheri Raman
04-Oct-2000
The inaugural match of the ICC KnockOut trophy went according to the
general consensus with India notching up a comfortable victory over
the host nation, Kenya. The Indians had hardly to sweat with the hosts
losing their way in the latter half of the innings. A few positive
factors emerged from the encounter and at the same time the need for
India to sharpen up was highlighted as well.
Zaheer Khan, the left arm speedster might have convinced enough people
that he is a force to reckon with in international cricket. This
youngster bowled with a lot of aggression and with common sense to bag
three wickets in his first outing. That he went for a few runs is
irrelevant when one considers the pace he generated. His relative
inexperience should also be taken into account before one ventures
into criticism. Khan has shown that he has what it takes to be a
genuine quick bowler and it is upto the team management to nurture him
and bring out the best in him.
The decision of inserting the opponents was justified by the fact that
the Kenyans were bowled out for a score within easy reach. Agarkar
provided the early breakthrough and thus came back into his own after
a very ordinary start. He was unfortunate later on as he beat the
batsmen on numerous occasions outside the off-stump. Both Agarkar and
Khan have enormous potential and they can develop into very good
strike bowlers even in Test cricket. The ever reliable Kumble came up
with his customary act by pinning the Kenyans throughout his spells.
It was strange to see Robin Singh not being given a spell since
debutant, Yuvraj Singh, was pressed into service. It would have been
good practice for Robin as he may be required to bowl in the future
games when under pressure.
The Indians batted without any hurry as the target was within
manageable proportions. It may not be right to say that the Indian
batsmen were rusty but they were struggling for timing more due to the
lack of pace both from the bowlers as well off the pitch. Tendulkar
was apparently playing far too early and looked like one who is out of
touch but in a way the lack of challenge from the Kenyan trundlers did
not probably stoke the fire in his belly enough. I am sure that one
can see Tendulkar in a different mode altogether against the
Australians, as he always loves a challenge.
Ganguly played himself in before he went for his patent offside
strokes. It must also be mentioned here that the Kenyans plugged a lot
of gaps thereby making it difficult for Ganguly to go through the
infield. He has had a mixed season in the English County and his knock
must have given him reasonable satisfaction. Dravid was looking good
and he was one Indian batsman who timed his shots well. It is
imperative that he carries on in the same vein if India has to proceed
further in the competition. Kambli, making his come back looked at
ease with himself and also the atmosphere that prevails in
international cricket. He batted in the manner that he does always,
but he would like to forget his stint on the field.
The Indians have a fair bit of time to prepare for their encounter
with Australia, which will be on a different plane in comparison to
the one they had against Kenya. The conditions are more or less like
that you get in the sub-continent and should give the Indians real
confidence to put it across the World Cup winners. It is a case of
mindset and the Indians have to go into the game against Australia
devoid of any negative thought. After all, it is a must win situation
for Australia also.