Videocon Tri-Series Preview

This preview is intentionally written after the opening game between New Zealand and the host, Zimbabwe, because that result has no significance on the competition.

Stephen Fleming knows full well, that the Videocon Tri-Series in Zimbabwe is a two team contest and has already fired the opening salvo saying that he is surprised at India’s delayed arrival to Bulawayo and that he expects India to struggle in the lung burning afternoon conditions. Fleming has never been shy with his opinions.

Ganguly on the other hand is already on the defensive trying to explain his team’s amateurish itinerary and has squarely put the blame on the BCCI. I think the truth lies somewhere in between, with both parties, the Captain and BCCI, having to cop some of the blame. BCCI has to be blamed for not organizing a pre-departure camp in Mumbai, their excuse was that they could not find practice pitches!!! Ganguly turned up late for the scheduled departure press conference and should take his share of the blame. But the man was celebrating his wife’s birthday so let us give him a break. Both parties are upset and Greg Chappell must be pulling his hair out in frustration. One has to wait and see if the organizational skills of the BCCI improves with Chappell’s nudging. One would have to say don’t expect any miracles.

Ganguly continues to amaze with his frank comments that because his competition is somebody of the calibre of Dravid, it was no wonder that the selection committee took three hours before deciding who is going to be the Captain of India. Competition is good and it could spur Ganguly to be bolder captain, otherwise it could very well be the end.

But, he also amazes everyone with his comments that the 2007 World Cup is too far. Probably that is because Ganguly is focusing on the immediate because he has no idea what the future holds for him.

The team selection is pretty fair, and I am glad that newcomers in the Sri Lanka series, Rao, Raina and Yadav have been given an extended run. Consistency in the selection is important as England have shown us. Also, I would caution the Ajit Agarkar bashers to rein in their criticism, because he has one of the better records amongst Indian bowlers after the 2003 World Cup taking into account both wickets and the economy rate, and he could surprise everyone with his bowling in this series. He was a pretty impressive bowler in the one match he had against Pakistan. The batting still looks fragile with Dravid being the only consistent batsman in this team.

New Zealand are the favorites and India will have to dig deep to beat this classy team.