india's opening dilemma

[japanese_philosopher]

There has been so much talk about who should open the innings for india. Whom would you chose and why?

[Rachael]

Great question.. but I'm not sure anyone has the answer here. The Sehwag and Chopra pairing compliment each other nicely... and have been pretty successful... but that assumes a middle order of Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman. Trying to fit Yuvraj Singh in by getting Dravid to keep lengthens the batting but would undoubtedly be a retrograde step: the batting doesn't really need lengthening (being by some margin the best in the world anyway) and the drop in the standard of glovework would be massive.

As I understand it Singh looks an unlikely opener.. and it seems that any one from the 5 top order batsman.. and even the 'keeper.. might be better partnering Sehwag - but each seems to be so successful in their current position that such a step could be seriously retrograde.

Personally I'd stick with Chopra and keep Singh in reserve. If that MUST change.. then I'd promote Tendulkar: he might be the obvious guy to protect from the new ball (and the player most able to adapt to the situation at 2 down) but he's more capable than any other player in the side of coping with that role.

[japanese_philosopher]

Well, let me answer my own question. My brain tells me that Chopra is the logical choice. But my heart tells me - 'believe in Ganguly'. Ganguly has made similar decisions in the past which include making Dravid keep wickets and making Sehwag open the innings. All these were bold moves and if India is a force to reckon with in world cricket today, it is largely because of Ganguly's shrewd captaincy. I think we should just let him make his move, even though he seems to be unsettling a successful combination. If Sehwag - being essentially a middle order batsmen - can do well at the top of the order, why can't Yuvraj?

[kiran]

I think this is a very good phase in Indian cricket
India has been struggling for opening pair over the years
but now there are more that capable players fighting for that position
Sehwag is fixed..and Chopra and Yuvraj fighting who are player in form..
so we r forgetting some other players like Ramesh who has performed reasonably good
so anyone chosen to open must perform cause there is a string of players willing to do the job
I fully agree with "japanese_philosopher" about the Ganguly factor..
He always comes with bold decisions which prove right after a while
Lets hope he makes a good decision

Regards
kiran

[Nikhil]

Originally Posted by japanese_philosopher

There has been so much talk about who should open the innings for india. Whom would you chose and why?

I just hope it's Chopra and Sehwag. Chopra has (almost) everything to make a good test opener. It's his habitual loss in concentration after a couple of hours of dogged display that's getting him in trouble. If he manages to play for longer and dominate the bowlers, once they are tired, he will be a class act.

[DaveGillespie]

Speaking as a neutral, it has to be Chopra. I think his presence in Australia helped Sehwag to temper his aggression, and he's exactly the sort of opener every test country should have.