Depending on match situation India can try some new things here.
Firstly, replace Uthappa with Pathan just for this match and get him to bat at one down and first chhange bowling. if he picks 2 wickets and score 40 odd runs at brisk pace. Its good enough
Seccondly, we all know how well Vaas and Murali prepare for the match. I am sure they would have already designed strategies against India already. To throw them off their game plan try openning the batting with Dravid and Sehwag. Remember how they reacted to surprises in the 6-1 defeat to India.
My recommended batting order would be: 1. Sehwag - Warn him no rash strokes in first 20 deliveries 2. Dravid - He has to play an innings like Ganguly's against Bermuda 3. Pathan - Surprise Package 4. Tendulkar - Beef up the middle order 5. Ganguly - he plays better against spinners 6. Dhoni - SMASH!! SMASH!!! SMASH!!!! 7. Yuvraj - to do what he does at his best, plus he can bat around the tail if needed 8. Kumble - Master legspinner, he handles pressure well with ball and this is surely a PRESSURE GAME 9. Harbhajan - He has bowled economic spells against Sri-Lankans 10. Zaheer - Spearhead 11. Munaf - India's reply to McGrath
For bowling start with Zaheer and Munaf. First change Pathan bowl him a straight 10 over spell from 11 to 30 overs. Kumble to strike and Bhajji to bblock runs and create pressure. Rest of the lot of part-timers can chip in if and when needed
And Greg Chappel talked about FEARLESS apparoch, dont give it up after Bermuda match, go for the Kill and make us proud
RE:INDIAN GAME PLAN vs SRI LANKA
by shailesh agrawal on Mar 20, 2007 12:42 PM Permalink
Nice plan and I agree. But a few change: 1. Instead of Irfan, bring Sreesanth. He is much better bowler. 2. Do not sake utthapa, instead keep Harbhajan away.
