Kaif represents the new face of Indian cricket

© Reuters

It is important that the performance of the Indian team in their ICC Champions Trophy opening game against Zimbabwe be viewed with sympathy. This was obviously a weary touring side - incessant cricket for months in various lands followed by a long drawn out row over contracts is enough to affect even the fittest of players. They then had to make a long trip from London to Mumbai, then on to Chennai and finally to Colombo - a delayed flight on the last leg to boot. Consequently, there was no mistaking the fatigue of the team members who took the field against opponents who on the other hand were fresh and had not played competitive cricket for some months.

Zimbabwe have almost always been tough opposition for India. In the head-to-head record, India are way ahead but what this simple fact will not convey is the numerous occasions on which the Indians have had to sweat it out before securing victory. In sub-continental conditions, the Indians' superiority is much more marked and in normal circumstances, India should have won with some deal of comfort. But against the background I have already described, the narrow margin of victory perhaps was not surprising.

The batting did not exactly cover itself with glory. If the recovery was strong - 87 for five to a final total of 288 for six - questions might well be asked as to why there was a crisis in the first place. Some complacency, a few faulty shot selections and yes, a bit of staleness were evident.

One may be tempted to say all is well that ends well. But there is little doubt that the famed Indian batting will have to perform up to reputation in the game against England. It is not a healthy development if there are to be retrieving partnerships for the sixth and seventh wickets every time.

Rahul Dravid is perhaps enjoying the finest phase in his outstanding career. He is right now at a stage when little is going wrong for him. His timing and shot selection is impeccable and it matters little whether he is playing in the West Indies, England or Sri Lanka or whether it is Test cricket or the limited overs game.

© CricInfo

For that matter, Mohammad Kaif also seemed to be carrying on from where he left off at Lord's on that memorable day a couple of months ago. The young man represents the new face of Indian cricket. I always thought his style and approach and technique was more suited to Test cricket and while that view remains, the manner in which he has adapted himself to the quicker tempo of the limited overs game has been admirable. He has obviously worked hard on his game and it is about time he is given the opportunity to cement his place in the Test side too.

Unfortunately, the bowling problems remain, whether it is Test cricket or the shorter version. While the four main bowlers more or less did their job creditably, the problem lies with the ten overs to be sent down by non-regular bowlers. In 12 overs on Saturday, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Yuvraj gave away 78 runs. With the team management firmly bent on playing seven batsmen, there is tremendous pressure on the four bowlers to come good and if any of them fail, the back-up strength just does not inspire confidence.

But there is no need for the Indians to press any panic buttons even if they are in the proverbial group of death. The victory over Zimbabwe does not guarantee the runners-up of the 2000 tournament a place in the semifinals. A crucial match against England remains to be played.

Perhaps VVS Laxman can replace Dinesh Mongia and Ajit Agarkar can take Ashish Nehra's place. That could strengthen the team even if it does not solve the problem of the lack of a fifth main bowler. But with the policy of playing seven batsmen firmly in place, there is very little that can be done in this regard except to hope that the main bowlers are niggardly and that the remaining ten overs are not very expensive.

The Indians have a few days to work out the necessary tactics and there is no doubt that the team members will welcome the rest and relaxation. Somehow one senses the players will rise to the occasion against England.