Javagal Srinath
A low scoring game always turns out to be a tricky one. India losing the 5th wicket half way through the chase provided good testing grounds for the batsmen to come. Before we speak about Badrinath's debut, let us understand the mind set of the young Badri when h
e didn't make it into the team in the first cut.
e didn't make it into the team in the first cut.Just after the team for the Srilankan ODI was declared, I saw Badrinath's interview in one of the news Channel. He said he felt miserable and didn't know what to say or how to accept his non-inclusion. One could make out Badri's deep sense of disappointment in his tone. I suppose there are many players who wait anxiously for the selection day to find out if their names figure in the list. These kind of restless moments plays a pivotal role in shaping up a cricketers psyche. Many players, first lose confidence in the system and gradually lose confidence in themselves. Only a few remain resolute and motivated to stay in contention.
Coming back to Badri, perhaps he was one of the few who didn't lose heart upon not being considered often. May be the secret of Badri's motivation could be Skipper Dhoni's trust in him. A Captains' confidence in a player is very important in groom one's career at the international level. Smiling Badri didn't look one bit nervous as he walked into a very difficult situation. Dhoni' presence seemed to be a boon as both of them started the partnership with rotating singles. Here again the duo's stint for Chennai Super's came in handy to establish themselves quickly. Badri handled both Murali and mysterious Mendis with aplomb. The best parts of the partnership were the running between the wickets and the communication. For a debutant, learning can only happen at the center.
Coming back to Badri, perhaps he was one of the few who didn't lose heart upon not being considered often. May be the secret of Badri's motivation could be Skipper Dhoni's trust in him. A Captains' confidence in a player is very important in groom one's career at the international level. Smiling Badri didn't look one bit nervous as he walked into a very difficult situation. Dhoni' presence seemed to be a boon as both of them started the partnership with rotating singles. Here again the duo's stint for Chennai Super's came in handy to establish themselves quickly. Badri handled both Murali and mysterious Mendis with aplomb. The best parts of the partnership were the running between the wickets and the communication. For a debutant, learning can only happen at the center.
A match winning knock on the first outing should do a lot of good to Badri's confidence, but this is just a beginning and he has a long way to go.
Dhambola has always offered more to the bowlers than the batsmen. Knowing the advantage bowlers hold on this wicket, it would have been sad if the bowlers had let go such an opportunity. Indian spearhead Zaheer Khan made his efforts count by adhering to the very elements of fast bowling. Early exit of Sangakara and Jayasuriya creates a near vacuum in their batting line up. Barring skipper Mahela, the patience of other Lankan batsmen appears circumspect.
Indians must be on their toes as the rest of the games are played at Premadasa, a venue which suits SL team more. It's about time the Gambhirs', Rohit Sharma's and Raina's gets amongst the runs. All I can predict from here, is a run feast game mainly controlled by the batsmen.
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