That slight worry apart, this Indian team looks like a good blend of youth and experience, to use a cliche. The advantage of young players is that they give you lots of energy and are great athletes, and they play without fear. From what I have seen of the Indian youngsters like Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina, they are brilliant fielders and very competent batsmen, so they'll have plenty to do.
The one big worry for India, I think, is Yuvraj Singh. He hasn't done much for a couple of years, and certainly not in the past year, including in the IPL. I think he has fallen prey to what plenty of Indian cricketers have been victims of in the past - a belief in his own myth. It is easy to believe your own publicity in India when you're playing well, and the endorsements and adulation can easily go to your head.
Right now, Yuvraj looks jaded and overweight, and not hungry enough. I should think this tournament is his big test. If he delivers, fine, or else, the powers that be are likely to move on. There are lots of new kids out there, and he needs to look sharp. Of course, they can still use his occasional left-arm spin in subcontinent conditions, but not outside. Indeed, he's a prime example of how it is easier to get to the top than to stay there. That is why Sachin Tendulkar stands out - because he's done it for so long.
As for the other batsmen, Sehwag, as always, can render fielders meaningless when he gets going, and take all the pressure off Sachin. Among the rest, I would watch out for MS Dhoni - a great character, brilliant handler of his men, and a bloody good batsman. He's crucial, too, for his ability to help the team deal with the expectations of a billion supporters.
Among the bowlers, I would watch out for Zaheer Khan. Quite simply, he has become a key factor for India, and over the past year, has probably bowled at his best ever. He is equally comfortable with the new and old ball, and is at ease at the death, when the blokes are slogging. Of course, India also have two regulation spinners, and three part-time spinners in Sehwag, Pathan, and Yuvraj. That is an advantage that no other team has, and India will look to drive it home.Â
Indian team has a good blend: Boycott
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