Upcoming Indian Batsmen.

Hello people,

I put some thoughts on India’s major bowling backups that I have seen over the last decade mostly inspired by the ridicule that Indian bowling is facing ahead of the England tour. Now most of the English media is praising the Indian middle order so much so as it appears to be a collective effort to jinx them to failure! There is also talk about how the transition would be once the greats retire. So I thought about the batting bench strength.

I had always thought we had much more bowlers coming in every year, than we could probably handle and the result was none of them has, yet, emerged as a real promise. Their records just fade in comparison with say a Morne Morkel who is the next South African hope[though he is 26]. But if you think of batsmen, it’s just the opposite, but result being the same. Our middle order has been so strong, that not even Yuvraj Singh, who is among the real good ODI players, has managed to sneak in. [There has been ones like Amol Muzumundar, who by playing parallel to the like of Sachin, missed out on an opportunity. But as we are focusing on the future, lets focus on younger ones.] It’s only after the retirement of Sourav Ganguly that, even a place is available in the batting slots. But its still not grabbed as we could have hoped.

We always had one [or even 2] slots free at the opening even as late as in 2007. But with Gambhir settling in even that slot was full and Ganguly was still playing in 07’! So no one could have even a knock at the door for spots 1-6. Yuvraj Singh was the man waiting that time to replace one of the middle order stalwarts in case of an injury. But with Ganguly’s retirement, scenario has changed. Yuvraj has got some chances and he didn’t live up to the expectations. Many others have also tried their luck. Here’s who I think, may form the Indian batting order in the future.

1. Abhinav Mukund : He is in the squad now. Having made lots of runs in the domestic circuit,- its ridiculously easy to make runs there - he got the selectors call as suddenly both Sehwag and Gambhir were injured for the West Indies series. He didn’t look great, but showed ‘some resistance’. Is that what we expect form a top order player, is another question. But he is in the pecking order now and [with great luck] will also open at Lord’s on the occasion of the 2000th test. Will he cement the place remains to be seen.  

2. Murali Vijay: He was given a chance after a big 200 [243] in a first-class match, after Gambhir got suspended, after he invited Watson to a party somewhere, with his shoulder, against Australia. He scored a decent 74 in his first match. But again, is it what we expect from an opening batsman? A struggling 40? But still, he ‘looked good’ for the selectors and after some disastrous performances in all forms of the game, barring the IPL may be, he is still ‘looking good’. But he must realize at 27, he is losing time and need to come down to earth from the 127 he scored during the IPL. His team mate at Tamil Nadu, Mukund has passed him in the order, unless Mukund fails in England and what a dilemma it would be for India.  

3.Ajinkya Rahane: He is next in the order, perhaps [atleast according to the audience]. He too has lots of runs at the domestic circuit. But the problem is his patience. He is seen in Mumbai as a brilliant stroke player who can make a swift 40-50. But so was Sehwag, wasn’t he? 

4. Cheteshwar Pujara : He is by far the best that I can bank on as he has got technique and a still head. Most important of all, he has got an understanding parent, who knows about the game and its highs to back him up. So hopefully he will keep his foot on the ground and go forward. He looked fantastic while taking India to victory vs Australia. The pace of Steyn did trouble him in South Africa, but no one would have done much with that kind of bowling. 

5. Virat Kohli: He is projected as the future captain of India, having led the junior team to World Cup victory. He is just 22 and has already won a World Cup and has played 50 ODIS. His behavior was and is attracting a lot of criticism. Even his reactions [also other players] after winning the under-19 World Cup came for much ridicule. But he feels he has shed the stardom effect and is a mature player now. Cricketing-wise he looks matured, but behavior wise he still has a long way to go. He also faced some problems with the short ball, surprisingly, against the West Indies. He has been dropped from the England tour which he feels has been good for him. Still a boy who tries to avoid his angry mom, he can be a part of the future middle order. 

6. Rohit Sharma: Rohit Sharma has been praised and jettisoned by many from their good books. He has got style and hours to play a ball no matter the speed of the bowler. He, like many, fell for the superficial stardom and may be like his senior example; Yuvraj Singh is still struggling to get a place in the test team. But his talent is too good to go waste and if he corrects his head a bit, can be a batting great. But he has had lots of opportunities and unless he continues from what he did in the Caribbean, he may lose out.  

7. Suresh Raina: He has seen ups and downs in his career and he is just 24. He has got talent and the English media, with all their hyperbole, described him as next Sachin Tendulkar after he took India to victory in an ODI. But his problems with the short ball never got him settled. His temperament cannot be an issue with the hostel structure in Uttar Pradesh cricket. He will be serious and may have improved, apparently, with his performances in the West Indies. He also, probably, will be part of the middle order in the future.His current coach, even thinks he is a captaincy material, though he lead a team to Zimbabwe not quite emphatically. 

 

8.Yuvraj Singh: He has somewhat been an enigma for tests. An excellent ODI player with talent couldn’t overcome technical problems to play regular test cricket. Being on the fringes for long he was given the slot, which he should have snatched from one of the players, after Ganguly’s retirement. It seemed, after an under  pressure 100, along with, ironically, Sourav Ganguly, that he may have come of age. But he still was not able to convert his talent into runs, even as he won a World Cup for India. He seems determined to cement a test spot, but as of now Raina seems to have got it. Being just in his late 20s he still has a chance to add to his tremendous ODI career.  

9.Ambati Rayudu: This guy was hyped up as next batting great to emerge from the country of batting superstars. But after his ego struggles with the administration, somewhat rightly so as players like these captain his Hyderabad side, he found himself in the ICL. But from a stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, one of the few things that I like about the IPL, he returned to the reckoning. I hope he rediscovers his talent and fine tune it, for he could be a real asset at the middle order.  

10.Manish Pandey: He is young and hasn’t proven much apart from being the first Indian to score an IPL century. But his knock against Mumbai in the Ranji Final meant that he was to be noticed. But a bit of controversy, eve at such a young age meant he went back the queue. A player, who has got talent and with development in temperament can be included in the side. But his place is still some way away.  

11.Manoj Tiwary: He has been unlucky of sorts. He got his chance after an impressive 06’ Ranji performance. He was to play in the first test in Mirpur, when a training injury hit him and he was out of the frame for 2 years. He did return and it was difficult it could get and was in Brisbane against Australia in an ODI. Brett Lee showed no mercy and let a scorching Yorker get Tiwary back in the hut. He waited again for 2 years and when he did play in the West Indies recently in the ODIS didn’t look the player that he was, probably because of the unfamiliar opening position. Still this guy has talent and is in the second line of challengers for a batting spot.

Notable omissions:

S Badrinath: I may be a bit harsh, but I think his career is almost over and he has not looked a good player on whatever international exposure he has had. That may be against Steyns express pace, but he looked completely out of sorts and different from the domestic run gatherer that he is. He may get a couple of years after one of the greats retires, but that will be it as he is already above 30.

Robin Uthappa: This man had/has talent. But he seems to be happy, just to hit sixes in the IPL. He seems to have no apparent interest in a test spot and is not looking for a long innings, not even aggressive or 200 ball 150 kind of a stay. He, in my view will never play test cricket [even if he does, it would be a very short stint].

Shikhar Dhawan: He has been named as captain of the 'Emerging players squad'. But I dont think he will ever feature in a test selection meeting. But he has every chance to play many ODIs. But if he does want to play tests, he can take a cue from his Delhi team mate Gambhir.

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I have crawled my way to an 11! So is there a shortage on the batting side? Absolutely not. Batting unlike bowling is less susceptible to injuries and if 6-7 out of these get into a settled mode, then we can be secure for another 10 years, well, hopefully. There may be some other contenders like KB Arun Karthik from Tamil nadu and Sourabh Tiwary from Jharkhand. I have not mentioned IPL wonders like Paul Valthaty or Bharat Chipli [he is already 28].

There are others like Ravindra Jadeja[who must come down to earth and be serious] , Mayank Agarwal, Ashok Menaria etc who are coming through the under-19 ranks.

Finally, what would India’s top 6 look like after -say- a couple of years? [Though I am never sure of Tendulkar ;)] Back up top 6, on the right.

First choice TOP 6                                              Backup TOP 6

Gautham Gambhir                                     Abhinav Mukund

Virender Sehwag                                       Murali Vijay

Cheteshwar Pujara                                    Ajhinkya Rahane

Rohit Sharma                                            Ambati Rayudu

Virat Kohli                                                 Yuvraj Singh

Suresh Raina                                             Manoj Tiwary

P.S: You can help by mentioning any one whom I might have missed.

Thanks!

Upcoming/Lost Indian bowlers squad.

Hello people,

As the England series is here, most of the talk is about England having superior bowling along with a lot of bench strength. Yes they have an enviable line up. Tall fast bowlers are always an asset. But one thing that they should keep in mind is to stay put with feet on the ground. If they consider guaranteed about greatness, they will fall off the way swiftly. 

I feel that’s what happened or is happening with India’s bowling arsenal. India is really looking for a back for Zaheer Khan after he retires. May be Ishant Sharma is the answer with his impressive comeback against the West Indies. But we can’t be sure as he too has been among the ‘self-proclaimed’ superstars who have lost direction.

Here I give a list of bowlers who are international quality or have the potential to be successful at the top level.
Most of them have played for India in some form, but could not cement their place. Reasons could be anything. Arrogance to lack of good coaching to injuries. Even selection sometimes has been a reason as someone like Pankaj Singh went on the Australia tour of 2007-08 and didn’t play a single test. 

1. IrfanPathan : he was heralded as india’s answer to Wasim Akram. But stardom and pressure to be next Kapil Dev + Akram rolled as one has let him drift away. His strength was swing and he could bowl at low 140s which is dangerous with swing. But too much coaching led to remodeling of action, reduced speed and he lost all his zing. Any one remember the 90Mph in swinger that led to comparisons with Akram? I have no videos, but I dont need them as its so fresh in my mind.

2.  MunafPatel : He came in as the fastest Indian bowler with speeds over 150Kph. But then again, some dumb said he looked like Mcgrath and therefor he had his pace reduced and now as Andy Roberts called it, he is spinning it. [Cant say upcoming about him, he is 28].

3. RP Singh: RP Singh has in my view similarities with Pathan. An extremely talented swing bowler, who can bowl in the high 130s to 140s, has his name on the Lord’s honours board. But again lack of hunger and lack of discipline together with lack of form has somewhat thrown him out. His regress has been relatively mysterious. But he still can be Indias future if given proper care. He has got talent.

 4. P Kumar: He has grabbed every opportunity by both hands and as of now is not among the ‘failed’. But his lack of pace even at this age of 23 is not doing any good to his career. He can swing it anywhere anytime, but his pace has to be increased if he has to consistently play and trouble batsmen.

5.  A Mithun: Mithun is still young and it would be harsh to count him among the failures. He also has somewhat been shabbily treated by the selectors as he is not getting continuous opportunities. He also need to raise the pace a bit to be successful, but sure has some potential.

6. VRV Singh: He, when he came in first showed promise. Tall muscular bowler, who could regularly bowl 90Mph. But he had technical faults and bowled no-balls consistently. Lack of coaching led to his ousting. He may never come back and it is a loss.

7.  S Tyagi: Another tall bowler who was hyped up big time. But he has now drifted away with all the stardom getting to his head. Lack of temperament has led to another promising bowler’s downfall here. His arrogance is evident when he takes a wicket and you can fill a bucket full of profanity.

8. PankajSingh: Another 6 foot plus bowler who bowled in the mid-140s. I think the selectors either thought he would be like Ambrose straight away because of his height. But for whatever reason after for whatever reason they picked him, they didn’t play him a single test in Australia. He is slugging it out in the Ranjis now.

9. L Balaji: Here is one bowler who lost out not because of his own reason or any other persons, but an injury at the right time has virtually ended his international career. Anyone remember the Pakistan tour 04? He was brilliant and it seemed with Zaheer + Nehra + Balaji + Pathan, India had a decent attack [but not fearsome]. 

10. A Mishra: Lastly a couple of spinners. Amit Mishra has toiled for almost 10 years in domestic cricket to get his place in the squad. He immediately grabbed it as he took a 5 for on debut against Australia. His experience was supposed to make him feel at home. But surprisingly he turned very predictable after that and was using his googlies unimaginatively without flighting it enough. The spin stronghold of India is not able to help him yet. He has made a comeback of sorts against West Indies, but cannot in anyway be believed to have settled in.

11. P Chawla: Another leggie who bowls more googlies than his leggies. Fact that artists like Bishan Bedi can’t help Chawla is really a sad truth. They even come from the same state! He is still young and given direction can shoulder spinner’s responsibilities. Now no one can forget this delivery can they?

12. R Aswin: The guy has talent. But the problem is he has a mystery ball as well. He has to be careful not to overuse it. Mystery bowlers are sure to be sorted out as Mendis found out against India. So he should just concentrate on his off spin and control and such stuff.       

13. S Sreesanth: Sreesanth has been an enigma. Arrogant and caught by stardom I would say. He has the best seam position for an outswinger, at least from India. He can reverse the ball both ways. But the thing he lacks is temperament and control. Recently, Indian bowling coach has said, if he can control himself and not try to bowl 6 different deliveries, he will be really good. But he is 28 and what beckons for him, only God knows.

14. P Ojha: Pragyan is rated by none other than Kumble. He has got a few opportunities as well. But he will struggle to get opportunities outside the subcontinent as only one spinner plays and his fielding capabilities are well, no capabilities there. The problem he faces is his fitness and if he doesn’t reduce his waistline, he can end up being a Romesh Powar.  

15. Ishant Sharma :  Lastly, the man most likely to take the baton from Zaheer. Ishant has reemerged of sorts during the West Indies tour. When he came on to the scene, he was a tall erratic bowler who bowled 8 ball overs regularly, and looked like young Srinath. After which he had a dream spell in Australia and he troubled Ponting in India as well. But because of too much T20 and ODI cricket perhaps, he lost his rhythm. I just hope he has come back for good and carries the baton from Zaheer. He could be best ever fast bowler from India with time on his side.[ He is only 22!]

I have not counted  any bowler who is over 29 as this list is one which includes either up coming or 'could have been' upcoming bowlers. 

Some notable commissions

1.  Jayadev Unadkat

2. R Vinay Kumar

3. D Kulkarni [ another case of ridiculous selection. Didnt play a single game in NZ in 09]

 IPL every year means, every year some bowler or the other is hyped up as the next best. Those include Umesh yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Sharma, Sidhart Trivedi, Varun Aron, Kamran Khan, Ashoke Dinda, MS Gony etc etc. But I have not seen enough of those guys to rate them. There are also others who were promising once, like these guys above, but lost out on a decent career like Ashish nehra, Ajit Agarkar, Tinu Yohannan, Abey Kuruvilla etc. Then there are others like Avishkar Salvi[2004, was dubbed as McGrath!] who were ridiculously hyped up when they took a couple of wickets against Bangladesh. 

Reasons can be anything. Injuries, lack of temperament, arrogance, stardom, even fans. We pace starved Indians, rate a bowler pretty highly when ever we see him bowling at 140+. This adds the pressure on the bowler to straight away burst through a batsman with his pace. But when he cannot do that, he tries to change stuff. Then his coach tries to change stuff. Finally he loses the trick somewhere. I cant decide on one particular thing as I feel its different for every player.

Finally, so is it lack of talent in India in the bowling department being a country of batting superstars or is it some other combination of things? 

Thanks!

England vs India 2011 - The Best X1

Hello people, 

India will play England in the first test of the Pataudi trophy at the historic venue of Lord’s on July 21, 2011. India is the top ranked team in tests right now and England are ranked 3^rd. But when I say, that this is the 2000^th test ever and 100^th between the two teams the interest really creeps in. Add to that, one Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is on 99 test hundreds [!]. Now, anyone would really be making sure that the date is set!   

No wonder why the media is hyping the issue already. Even before India played the West Indies or when England was playing Sri Lanka, who are number 4 in the world, the talk was about this upcoming series. 

Ian Botham

Darren Gough

Some say it’s the most anticipated series in England after 2005. Others say the best touring side since 2005. 5 batsmen and 5 bowlers from either teams figure in the top10. India is looking on to continue their reign at the top. England is looking to topple them with all their planning and vision for the future. Many former English players including Botham and Gough have said that England is unofficially the best team currently. No wonder it’s highly anticipated.

Sachin Tendulkar

Graeme Swann

I am getting goose bumps as early as now thinking about the battle between Anderson and Tremlett vs Tendulkar. Dravid has already said Swann will be the key factor. I thought of selecting a Best XI among the players from both the teams. It is really straight forward when you see that there are 5 batsmen and 5 bowlers who are in the top 10 from both the teams! But a small analysis would be good.

 Openers:

Cook

Sehwag

All four are brilliant batsmen and except maybe Strauss, are in form at the moment. Cook is statistically the best pick while Sehwag can be discounted at the oppositions peril! Gambhir hasn’t played a test in England, but his form has been superb for the last couple of years. Strauss had a very good world cup and he has led England very well. But Cook is in better form and Sehwag is a match winner. Given to me I would not pick both Cook and Strauss at the top. After a lot of thought, I am going with Cook and Sehwag for the opening slot. Two contrasting batsmen, but no doubt, mightily effective. I am going for Sehwag since he can change a game within minutes. 

Middle Order:

Trott

Laxman

There are 3 batsmen from either team in the top 10. But 5 out of them can be in top 10 anytime. This is really a tough pick. I think Tendulkar has to be an automatic choice. Now at number 3 and 5 it’s a choice between Laxman, Dravid, Peitersen, Trott and Bell. 

All are equipped to bat at both positions. Considering current form, I would go with Trott at number 3 and Peitersen at number 5. Laxman has not scored a 100 in England. But he does average 44 and if you consider Laxman’s performance in England, Bell against India has been terrible in Tests.  

Kevin Pietersen

 Peitersens form has not been good. But he has the capability to turn a match and will score big in at least 1 test of a 4 match series. His aggressive style just gets him in. For the remaining spot, we have Dravid, Laxman, Bell, Morgan, Raina and Yuvraj. I wouldn’t even consider last 2. For me it’s a choice between Laxman and Bell. Dravid has been very tentative for me, these days. Considering his ability to bat with the tail, I would go with laxman at 6. 

 Wicket Keeper:

Dhoni

It’s a straight choice between Dhoni and Prior. Considering all round capabilities I would make Mahendra Singh Dhoni captain. Prior has been in good form with the bat and Dhoni has not scored enough. But Dhoni has got some runs under his belt in the last test in the West Indies and his captaincy skills take him in. Especially when there is only Cook as contender for the captaincy slot.

Bowlers:

Anderson

Ishant Sharma

Lack of genuine all-rounders in either side is the reason why I have gone for a 6^th batsman. So the last 4 remaining spots will be bowlers and we have a big list for consideration. But I guess based on ability the venue and current form, Zaheer and Anderson go right in. Now Harbhajan vs Swann! Based on current form, Swann is the pick. Harbhajan has been too defensive and monotonous for at least last 2 years. At the same time, Swann has been as attacking as any spinner and also has contained batsmen. 

Zaheer khan

Some dumb rightly said, that best form of stopping runs is to take wickets! But Harbhajan may be saying that team tactics are keeping him from attacking. But I am not buying that. Let this series decide who is better. For now I go with Swann. Last remaining spot goes to Tremlett for the form he showed against Sri Lanka. Many may argue that Ishant is better. But his lack of consistency is what causes concern. Sreesanth can be at times brilliant, but woefully erratic at times. Finn also lacks consistency and I have not seen much of Bresnan in tests except a one off in Australia. 12^th man will be Ian Bell as he would be fielding.

So this is my final team.

       1. Alistair Cook

        2. VirenderSehwag

      3. Jonathan Trott

      4.  Sachin Tendulkar

      5 .Kevin Peitersen

      6.  VVS Laxman

      7. MS. Dhoni

      8. Graeme Swann

      9. Chris Tremlet

          10. Zaheer Khan

      11. James Anderson

     12. Ian Bell      

Your own X1s are welcome.

Thanks!

India in England 2011 - The Team.

Hello people,

Champions!

As we wait, hyped as the biggest matchup of this year, the England vs India test series in England, I thought of the squad selected by India for the same. Before that, I think India vs South Africa was the biggest match-up for this year. And it lived up to the expectation. The cricket played was hard and high quality. Even the audience, like me, felt the exhaustion after that series. To add to that when India won the world cup, it was virtually like we were pretty exhausted and soaking it all in and resting! But the BCCI, whose idiots need $$ first played out a ‘tamasha’ that was IPL and then sent the team to the WI and the poor [not sure about that] players are playing in a series that is watched by a couple of West Indians, the TV crew, the ground staff and some dogs.

Coming to the team selected for the England series, which obviously will be a tough one, I thought it was a fair call. At least considering our selection committee, it’s definitely a fair call. So let’s just have a look at the squad.
.

The squad: MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Gautam Gambhir (vice-capt), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Abhinav Mukund, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar
.

   1. Gautam Gambhir : Gambhir has been a profilic scorer for India in tests, especially coming back after  McGrath and co toyed with him in 04’. He has problems with the short ball and the England bowlers being tall will certainly trouble him. He, despite being injured played in the IPL and –I thought that was a ridiculous and selfish decision – has no practice except playing ‘the likes of Sreesanth’ in the nets. He has surprised some [including me] when he played somewhat ok in South Africa. He has not had overseas tours to show off which makes him an under-scanner player. [Not on his position in the team, but on his place among cricketers]
Verdict : Could be the surprise man. But not dependable.

   2.    Virender Sehwag: A maverick! Instinctive player. Nothing to say as news about Sehwag. Has played in England before during his early days. So he averages only 40. But he has a quick 100 among the 237 runs he has scored in England. It would be a curious fact – would be overly strict – to say that he needs to be tested against England in England. He has had a stint with Leicestershire, which was a successful one in 2003. He scored 478 runs in 10 innings in 6 first class games with 2 100s and as usual striking at 95.
     Verdict : Could be the match/series winner. Could be an utter flop as well.

3.     Abhinav Mukund : He is the backup opener and is most likely to play in the first test at Lords. This is amazing luck for this youngster. He was picked over his team mate who is perhaps taking it easy on the back of his IPL century last year. But has now learned that you can’t be a superstar ever with on T20 100 as magnificent as it may be. Mukund was susceptible against the short ball in the WI. Nothing much is expected of him, but a 30 or 40 and supporting Gambhir and taking the pressure off him. If India wins the toss at Lords, how the openers perform could decide the series.
Verdict : Has a chance to be next in line, but nothing much is expected off him.

       4. Rahul Dravid : Well, what should I say. He has a tremendous record in England and has played part in wins in England. But off late has lost his reflexes a bit and may, just a small ‘may’, struggle if England bowlers bowl splendid. But by what he has shown in the WI India can hope. If he clicks India will have it a bit more easily.
   Verdict : Has to be a holder of one end. As always allow others to play pressure free.

   5.    Sachin Tendulkar: He is looking for that 100. And to score it during the 2000^th test and the 100^th test between the 2 countries – nothing can be more special. I guess that’s why he did not pay in the WI. He didn’t want to score that 100 in front of no one. He has a tremendous record as he does everywhere except in Pakistan and Zimbabwe. He, says my gut feeling, will be the man who will take India to victory. Last time he played with grit rather than flare. But this time I expect flare.
Verdict : As always, the match/series winner India looks up to. 1% chance to flop. ;)
        

   6.  VVS Laxman : Very very special, surprisingly or unsurprisingly[he doesn’t have a good footwork] doesn’t have a 100 in England! He will want to correct that. Even though he has a decent record in England, he will be susceptible against the swing. May be someone should always manipulate the score card to say, India are 150/7 when he bats. ;) India would want him to play well, as the bowling lineup is really good. His county stints might help him to get his 100.
Verdict: Will look to correct the record, but should be allowed to play freely. India will look to him when under pressure.  Don’t be surprised if he flops.

7.    Yuvraj Singh: It’s a cliché. Man having talent and not utilizing it. Yuvraj is a great example in Tests. Has not played a test in England. Will look for inspiration from ODI performances in the famous Natwest series. Most certainly Swann will trouble him. He should avoid being Marcus North of India. Swing also can trouble him. Could be in trouble with his ego. But if he clicks along with the top order, India will win it at least 2-0.
Verdict: Expected to have an average series. If he does lose it, India will be pulled back. Confidence player.

    8.    Suresh Raina: Will be used only if Yuvraj fails. Untested in foreign conditions. Is expected to be in trouble. Should really concentrate on his job. This [Yuvraj/Raina] position is the key after Sehwag.
    Verdict: Expected to play only after India take a 3-0lead J. Jokes apart, if Yuvraj fails and he gets his chance, it will be advantage England. So has to not lose his cool.

9.    MS Dhoni: His captaincy skills will be looked up to the most. With the bat he is not expected to do much. He has of course saved a match last time around. But expecting a repeat is not worth it. But the thing he can do is to put the cherry on top if the top order clicks together. A 70 ball 80 would be shattering for England if the top order gets 350-400. Has to use Harbhajan and Zaheer wisely. Has to keep Sreesanth calm [ but apparently he is not interested]. Has to keep Ishant and Yuvraj confident.

      Verdict: Nothing to say. Just lead the team well!

10.  Wridhiman Saha: This is a questionable selection for me. Has no credentials as a batsman. But will play only if something happens to Dhoni – which would be disastrous. Has a good first class record. A good keeper. But not a great one as some make out. An average batsman doesn’t necessarily mean a good keeper. May be Dinesh Karthick could have been chosen. He also has a not so bad prior experience in England.
 Verdict: Not expected to play. Could be a problem if such a situation comes.

     11.  Harbhajan Singh: He has a big task on his hand. Not only is he expected to take wickets, but he will be evaluated head to head with Swann. Loves it when such a situation comes. It pumps him up. Hopefully he will be at his best which is certainly required as Zaheer would need an experienced backup. But if he doesn’t click, that could affect his confidence and thus India’s chances. Expected to score some important and demoralizing [for England] runs.
Verdict: Could play an important part if India are to win. Same if India are to lose!

12.  Amit Mishra: His position will be same that Raina plays. Backup to Harbhajan. Not expected to play. Will be hard on him. But Harbhajan has to click, if India is to win. Mishra can get a bit mechanical at times. Also he doesnt use his googly efficiently. May be Oragyan Ojha could have been a better pick, considering KP[ But I am not for selecting a player just for a single opposition player].
Verdict: Could play in Trentbridge. But mostly, will not. Expected to perform if plays.

   

13.  Zaheer Khan: Expected to play a crucial part. His role will be as important as Sehwag, if not more. If he clicks India has a better chance to win. If he fails, India WILL lose. Won the series last time around. KP and co be ready with some jelly beans please! J
Verdict: Expected to win it for India. Plenty of experience in England.

14.  S Sreesanth: I would like to call him arrogant and careless instead of calling him volatile. He lacks temperament and can be a liability and frustration for the team mates themselves. But on his day, he can rip apart any batting line up. He has got the one of the best seam positions for an outswing. It would depend on how Dhoni [or as Dhoni says, he himself]  controls him. Last time around, even Michael Vaughn was flustered by his idiotic behavior. He needs to keep the pressure that Zaheer exerts from one end. Many times he just lets the pressure off when the other end is going tight. Example was the first spell in World Cup final.
Verdict: Can swing a match within a spell. The catch is - either ways! :)

 

   15.  Ishant Sharma: High on confidence now after a ten-for, he can be Indias answer to Finn or Tremlet. He can generate pace and bounce and has a good slower ball. Should improve in his strike rate and pick up regular wickets, to support the spearhead.

 .      Verdict: Important part of the pace attack. Zaheer would look for support in him. 

   16.  Munaf Patel: Will play only if Ishant goes out of form. Sreesanth will be replaced by Praveen. Patel, even though maintains discipline, can be a bit predictable. KP and others can easily and perhaps successfully use the technique he used against McGrath [though unsuccessfully].
Verdict: Not expected to play a major part. But if Ishant goes out of form, will be expected to create pressure so that Sreesath or Zaheer can strike.

  

17.  Praveen Kumar: His strength is his swing. He has earned his place after a long toil. But still can’t expect to get a place. He can use the conditions and swing the ball alarmingly for the English batsmen. But lack of pace can hurt him.

Verdict: If he plays, he is expected to pick wickets quickly at the top.

My 11 would be:

1.    Gambir

2.    Sehwag/Mukund

3.    Dravid

4.    Sachin

5.    Laxman

6.    Yuvraj

7.    Dhoni

8.    Harbhajan

9.    Zaheer

10.  Ishant

11.  Sreesanth

12.  Raina
 

Thanks!