Champions Trophy: Can India repeat history?

With Pakistan and the mighty Australians in the same group, the road to semi finals for India will not be easy
Sandeep Kumar Delhi Hardnews

The men in blue have their job cut out as India begin the Champions Trophy 2009 campaign against arch-rival Pakistan on Saturday at Centurion in South Africa.

Much has been predicted, assumed and talked about this high voltage clash between the two Asian giants by cricket experts all over the world. And, finally the big day arrives.

In the run-up to the match, the Pakistani Squad led by skipper Younis Khan has already started a war of words. In an interview, Khan declared that they are keen to beat India in an ICC event and this is their best chance. Shahid Afridi triggered off the debate with comments like, "Sachin is no longer a threat" and "India have been lucky to have beaten Pakistan in all the ICC events".

The Indian camp, however, has not been speaking much. Indians, rated one of the favourites to win the trophy, received a big jolt when star southpaw, batsman Yuvraj Singh, was ruled out of the tournament for six weeks due to a finger injury. Yuvraj's absence leaves a lacuna in the middle order as the team was already jittery in the absence of opening batsman, Virender Sehwag, and pace spearhead, Zaheer Khan.

The Pakistan team is boosted by the return of skipper, Younis Khan, who missed the first match against West Indies due to a finger injury. A win against India will cement their place in the semi final. India, however, would seek inspiration from their past record against the rivals as their energy booster.

A tough task awaits Indian skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The most essential question is what options MSD has to turn the situation in his favour. With Yuvraj out, a lot of work has to be done in the middle order. The most formidable batting line-up in the world is now suddenly lacking the trust of the millions of cricket fans. No doubt, Sachin Tendulkar is rock solid at the top. But the absence of Sehwag and the presence of an injured Gambhir, who can be replaced by Dinesh Karthik or Virat Kohli if not fit, would enhance the pressure on Tendulkar. The worrying form of Suresh Raina and quite-ordinary return of Rahul Dravid will increase the woes for the team.

With Yuvraj gone, MSD will have a lot to do. In the past two years, MSD has adopted a more serene approach and has almost cut out his big shots. He took over the role of an anchor player. So, who will increase the run-rate in the middle overs, if required, with big shots? Will MSD take charge or will he look to his young brigade for the act? Yuvraj has been doing this for a long time. It will be interesting to watch who steps into his shoes.

With Pakistan and the mighty Australians in the same group, the road to semi finals will not be easy. The only cheer factor to lift them up in this injury crisis is the new sex mantra given by Indian coach, Gary Kirsten, to boost their competitiveness and aggressiveness.