With off-field controversies garnering maximum attention in the last few days, the Indian team would like to shift the focus back on field as they lock horns with South Africa in the Champions Trophy opener in Cardiff on Thursday.
World champions India have not played an ODI outside the sub-continent in the last 15 months but the two big wins in their practice matches against Sri Lanka and Australia will give India the required confidence.
India have a good record against South Africa in the Champions Trophy. India lead 2-0 in head-to-head having won in 2000 and in 2002.
Barring Pakistan; India, South Africa and the West Indies have won the Champions Trophy at least once and hence more than just pride will be at stake in the last edition of the tournament. South Africa also arrive with a lot of reputation to protect. They are the world's No. 1 Test team but their ODI fortunes have been scratchy and it showed during the one-off warm-up game they played against Pakistan on Monday. When Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped out of Indian shores he said this Champions Trophy will be a test for the juniors. While a few players are an automatic choice, Dhoni indicated there may be few surprises. So far, one man has guaranteed himself a slot in the playing XI and that is Dinesh Karthik.
With back-to-back hundreds under pressure against Lanka and Australia, Karthik is a certainty but his batting position is a matter of conjecture.
Dhoni is reluctant to play him as an opener, but it is almost certain that Karthik will gain a promotion from his customary No. 6 position. It is unlikely that India will disturb the opening combination of Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan. Dhoni has been insisting on this right-left duo ever since he flew out of India because both have the capability of playing long innings. The talented Virat Kohli and Captain Cool himself will provide solidity in the middle order. Given the conditions, India will surely opt for five specialist bowlers. With Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma both making an impression against Australia, the pair should make the cut.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's ability to bat and also move the new ball both ways should complete the three-man pace attack. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja should be the two spinners. South Africa are sweating over Dale Steyn's fitness. They will have to depend a lot on Hashim Amla and JP Duminy and of course, their young and inspirational captain, AB De Villiers.
?-As carried in Mail Today.
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