Well Done Team India, Congratulations!

While many in India are more busy going "gaga" over the victory & defeats of some countries, they hardly know, it was heartening to see India lift the Asia Cup after 15 years! Some of the former captains of India had given the Sri Lankans the favourites tag, but I was sure the Indians would definately make it a match once they won against arch rivals Pakistan, which perhaps was the match of the tournament. Credit goes to Ashish Nehra for his heroics in the match(Ideally he should have been the Man of the Match) which tilted the final in India's favour once the Lankans lost half their side at 51.
The build up for the biggest 50 over tournament is about 8 months away from now and India play about 11 Test Matches & about 17 ODIs ( Hoping India reaches the Finals of the Tri Series in Sri Lanka featuring NZ). Which means they have little time to get their bowling act more combustible. The batting looks more settled in both the Tests as well as the ODIs, however it the Fast bowling which is a little cause of concern. In the last 5 Tests the fast bowling has been led primarily by ZaK, with support from either Sreesanth, or Ishant. In the ODIs India have the services of PK & Nehra. In terms of spinning options India are well served with Harbhajan, Mishra & Ojha. The cause of worry is that India don't have a sound allrounder. I don't want to drag on as to why Irfan Pathan lost his swing post 2005 & unfortunately he is not even near the selector's radar. Ravindra Jadeja has been doing well in the limited opportunities he's got, but India would have preferred a bowling allrounder who could occasionally be used as a floater too.

The India A team has done remarkably well in England, primarily Jaidev Unadkat. With due respect to all, I personally feel the biggest rationale of picking up the "A" squad should be to test your IInd string players who of late have not been regulars in the India colours. Hence players like Irfan Pathan, RP Singh, Munaf Patel would have definately made a case for themselves had they been in the "A" squad. This is where Cheteshwar Pujara has a justified case for himself considering the fact that the number 6 position might be up for grabs in the coming Test Matches. There is a lot to look forward to as the ODIs have been wonderfully sandwiched with the Tests & of course the occasional T20. Its always good to enjoy the perennial Chicken Mcgrill with the French fries... What say?

Good Luck Team India

While the obvious has happened, there will be a few who will have a few things to say here & there. Though I feel Yousuf Pathan is just a little unlucky to miss out, Yuvraj Singh should take this break as an opportunity to fine tune himself. The Punjab lad has been a little off colour since the IPL & I feel this break would do him good. Pathan Senoir has not got enough opportunities at 7, though he palyed a good hand coming in at 4.
The interesting selection is that of Jharkhand rookie Saurabh Tiwary. I feel the selection comittee has done the right thing in selecting the gutsy cricketer. Apart from being a good striker & a very capable fielder, he is also a good runner between the wickets. Apart from the mental adjustment, the young lad also has to get acclimitized to the hot & humid climes of Sri Lanka from the much cooler climes of England, where is playing the A series. India have a very hectic schedule ahead & these young cricketers would a world of good to their careers if they put of decent show.
Though the Zim soujourn has almost ended for India, apart from the two T20 Internationals, I must say the way the Zimbabwe team has performed is indeed noteworthy. The Taylors & Masakadzas have shown a lot of spunk in their ability & this can only take Zimbabwe Cricket forward.
With the Asia Cup barely 6 days away, the regulars in the Indian camp have got the desired rest & would be raring to have a go & bring home the coveted cup!