Sachin should bat here and Sachin should bat there. And a 3rd person says no, he should bat there again.So, where should he bat? Being part of this debate involving both Saurav as well as Sehwag, now it has been on for about a year I guess.So, I’ll tell you what my opinion is on the eve of the day before the Indian team takes on the world champions in the finals of the World Cup 2003.
THE OPENING SLOT
I agree that the opening position may once have been Sachin’s own and no doubt he is capable of further damage at that position but in the best interests of the team, a different job is demanded of him.Sachin, however much one may argue lacks the agility that he once possessed as a youngster.His hand and eye coordination is still superb but one has to say his feet don’t move as well as they used to.If one may recall till about 1997, his most common mode of dismissal was by being caught.Hardly, was he ever bowled or given out lbw.However it’s a different story these days.One will invariably find him getting out lbw or bowled most of the times, especially overseas, a clear indication in itself that his feet aren’t moving that well.It isn’t also because the bowlers have improved, in fact I think they were better earlier.His temperament may have improved however his overall reflexes have slackened. One may argue that he has round about 25 centuries as an one-day opener, agreed but we’re not dealing with the same Sachin of 4-5 years ago who scored most of them.People will also make the point that Sehwag is too reckless and blah! blah! ... Well, i’m a big fan of Sachin myself, however am not one for illusions.Can anyone deny the fact that Sachin had an even more awful temperament before say, 1995.What was he doing these 6 years?Let me assure you, he is guilty of having thrown his wicket away on numerous occasions, irrespective of what he is today.it’s something which is common in youngsters, they’ll do anything in the heat of the moment.Besides, has anyone wondered what will happen if Sehwag comes in at number 3. Say he gets out cheaply(50% chance in his case), it equals to 2 quick wickets and the team under unnecessary pressure.If he comes even down the order, the team won’t be exploiting his instinctive game to the maximum with the spread out field. Ganguly, I believe was never a great worker of the ball, so his rightful place is at the top.The theory about whacking spinners, well one needs to get himself in first, no use losing an unnecessary wicket like that, nor any need to ask him to do something he’s not done much when he’s out of form.He just needs to fight his way back to form by hook or by crook.
WHY NO.4 SLOT IDEAL FOR SACHIN
Well, his feet may move slower now, however his cricketing sense is much enhanced, he’s richer in experience and is a more complete batsman now with a wider array of shots in his armory. He might not be as successful as an opener against the new ball, with ball seaming and bouncing as it does overseas however very few will be able to admit that he won’t be a handful as a middle order batsman. When the ball doesn’t have much in it he can both keep the scoreboard ticking with his stupendous ability to work the ball into the gaps as well as do what is asked of a great batsman when the loose delivery does arrive, and with Shane Warne missing and a 5th regular missing in the Australian ranks that’s bound to happen tomorrow, I would imagine.One must keep in mind that the number 3 slot has to go to Dravid for stability in case of an early wicket.However, flexibility shouldn’t be done away with to send Sachin at number 3, if need be. So, being a much more senior and able player, a compromise is asked of Sachin to be able to utilise the team’s batting capabilities fully.The present day situation of the Indian cricket team demands it.
However it’s upto the management and the great man himself to make the final decision.We’ll eagerly wait and see what happens.