Time for India to flex muscles

When India came here to play their final tri-series match against England almost four weeks ago, they presented a picture that was every bit the opposite of what they appear now — beaten and battered as against a side strutting around with confidence.

A loss each to Australia and England had left them with a must-win situation against England on a difficult WACA surface but they were rolled over for 200 that was in sync with their topsy-turvy performance through a two-month stint in the country. While India fought hard to defend the small target, England managed to beat them for the second time in the tri-series as MS Dhoni and company ended the Test and the tri-series without a win.

While their qualification to the quarters was never in doubt given the format of the tournament, few would have backed them to top Group A. There is still a long way to go before India can secure their place at the top of the pool, but it would come as a surprise if they fail to do so. With two wins in as many matches against two of the stronger sides, India have forced the arm-chair experts reverse their impressions of this team.

While the two wins in themselves were impressive, the manner in which they were achieved has left even their staunchest of supporters a touch surprised. The 76-run drubbing of Pakistan was followed by a 130-run hammering of South Africa and after these two commanding performances, India take on minnows United Arab Emirates in their third clash here on Saturday.

And while India will be expected to win comfortably against UAE, the match also provides an opportunity to test the reserves. Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t had much of a bowl on this Australian tour and the seamer may get a look in with Mohammad Shami, easily India’s best paceman so far, having been ruled out as a precautionary measure.

The 24-year-old will be rested on Saturday after he was administered an ultrasound guided injection on his troubled left knee. Shami accompanied the team for Friday’s practice but stayed away from all the training routines.

Given how the surface behaved when they played here last time, India may be tempted to include Stuart Binny in place of a spinner but devoid of any grass, the pitch for Saturday’s match looks a lot barren. The Karnataka all-rounder had claimed three wickets in India’s last match here to put England in a spot of bother on a bouncy wicket. 

It’s highly unlikely that India will want to rest their batsmen who have begun to find their groove after a forgettable tri-series. While Shikhar Dhawan is among the top scorers in the Cup, Virat Kohli has once again underlined his status as the team’s batting mainstay.

Suresh Raina and Ajinkya Rahane have sparkled once each while Rohit Sharma will be keen to get amongst runs after twin failures. Even Dhoni needs to regain his finishing touch and this is a good opportunity for the Indian skipper to shed his indifferent form.

UAE are coming off two defeats in as many matches but their fighting spirit has stood out even if it came against sides like Zimbabwe and Ireland. With an assortment of players having various nationalities, UAE are a unique side in the competition.

It’s not a team of pro cricketers, rather it comprises of individuals who have come to the country for livelihood but have got a chance to pursue their passion at the same time, and along with other associate countries they bring a sense of amateurish approach to the middle. Despite the two defeats against fellow minnows, their performance is much appreciated back home and Shaiman Anwar has become an instant hit after his swashbuckling hundred against Ireland.                

India can expect a piece or two of individual brilliance on Saturday but beyond that they are the overwhelming favourites. But then, as the cliché goes, they need to guard against complacency.