Promote Yousuf and Yuvraj !

Now we are seeing the spectacle of certain Indian batsmen not used, as a result of the determination of Sehwag and Sachin to bat the 50 overs entire !

The solid batsmen, Gambhir and Kohli, undoubtedly are in good nick. But it will be better, when the score is say 150/2, to send in Pathan and Yuvraj, as they are power hitters and can accelerate scoring.

Gambhir bats like Michael Bevan and Kholi, like Sachin.

In this match against IRE, Yuvraj and Yousuf can be promoted, as they come in at places when there are only 3 or 4 overs left !

One has to be flexible and promote batsmen, according to the situation. We feel that in the matches against IRE and NED, India can change the batting order and give more time to Pathan, Dhoni and Yuvraj who have not got time in the last two matches.

Sehwag, Sachin and Kohli have notched up hundreds. ( Bram Villiers alone have hit two centuries). So this will be a batsman's WC ( at least till the QFs). In such a context, we have to give time to the other batsmen as well.

Dhoni did it last time by sending in Yuvraj instead of the inform Kohli. Yuvraj obliged with a blistering 58. We want to see more of Pathan and Dhoni in the middle overs. Kohli can come lower down.

We have not faced the formidable teams, SA and AUS. IF we lose early wickets against them, then Gambhir and Kohli can do the damage control work. So flexibility is needed. Bajji also can be sent as a pinch hitter, depending on the situation.

It is good that Sehwag and Sachin want to play the entire 50 overs. Others also want to do the same ( Gayle & K P ). Batting should be arranged in such a way that the big hitters also get a good share of the allotted 300 balls !

Since India has not impressed on the bowling front, it is better to include Nehra and Ashwin and see how they fare. Ashwin is a good allrounder and he can be a good bowler in the death overs. He can be penetrative. We have to see what Nehra delivers. Nehra was the bowler who devastated England with figures of 6/23 in the 03 WC. Some say he is not in that form. Chawla can give runs but can bowl well. Sreeshant also. These two matches agaisnt the minnows is a glorious opportunity for India to select their lethal bowling combination, before they take on mighty SA !

The fifth bowler is also important and maybe Sachin and Sehwag will not bowl due to injuries. But then Yuvraj is in good form as a bowler. Just see the great bowling spells of Afridi, who leads with 14 wickets. Pathan is also a good offspinner. Raina, if he plays, ( he should be given a chance in any one of these two games ) can also bowl spin. So from these two matches, the fifth and sixth bowler can be chosen, before we take on powerful teams like SA & WI.