Under a bushel

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Whatever talent the national selectors have seen in Piyush Chawla, he has done well to conceal it this season. For someone who has not played internationalk cricket for more than two years, he did not enjoy the best in domestic cricket either. In the Ranji Trophy this season, Chawla managed 14 wickets at an average of 44.07 with an economy rate of 2.86 and a strike rate of 92.1, none too good either.

What tilted the scales in favour of the youngster? Skipper M.S. Dhoni’s faith in him was the primary reason. A leggie does bring variety to the table. As a batsman Chawla has been in decent form scoring 305 runs in the first class season, including a hundred, at an average of 33.88.

With solid backing from senior team members, Chawla is all set to make a return to the international fold. There is a good chance he will get to be in the XI in the last three ODIs in South Africa. Even if the Uttar Pradesh lad goes on to perform in the World Cup, his selection will remain one of the eternal mysteries of Indian cricket.

Heartbreak for Sreesanth

For a bowler who expressed his frustration in the nets after being omitted from the playing XI during the 2007 World Cup, Sreesanth will have to look for targets elsewhere when his colleagues try hard to regain the trophy. An ideal outswing bowler, Sreesanth’s place in the shorter versions have always been a double edged sword. Wickets have come, but a cost. His economy rate of 6.01 is testimony to this. Also, he suffers the classic outswing bowler’s ODI problems of wides and giving width to the batsmen.

A long tournament can be hard work for fast bowlers and Sreesanth can still play a part at some stage on account of injury to any other speedster. But the team management will not be praying for that for sure.

No place for rohit

A game of rocket ball 15 minutes before toss cost Rohit Sharma his maiden Test cap. The Mumbaikar has a knack of missing the big moments. He has the required pedigree although his body language would suggest far less. A handy off-spinner and a useful fielder, Rohit would have been a asset in the World Cup for sure.

Given Dhoni’s confidence in him, Rohit would have definitely counted himself in but losing out to a leg-spinner would have been the last thing on his mind. Lack of big scores could have let the batsman down. In terms of talent, few youngsters can come close but Rohit will have to understand that there is nothing that can replace runs.