Inder's Sports Blog: Jan 1, 2012

Ganguly’s final Test series was against Australia at home in 2008 where he batted very successfully at No six. It is interesting to note that Ganguly batted at No 5 for most of his career and yet his retirement has left a void at No 6. In the latter stages of his career, Ganguly and Laxman swapped those two positions when needed and it added flexibility to the line-up. However, since his retirement, Laxman has remained at No 5 while quite a few youngsters have tried their hand at No 6.

A look at the batsmen India who have been tried at No 6 – barring night watchmen - since the retirement of Ganguly:

Player

M

Runs

Avg

100s

50s

Highest

Yuvraj Singh

13

675

42.18

0

7

86

Suresh Raina

14

643

35.72

1

6

120

VVS Laxman

6

309

103.00

1

3

103

MS Dhoni

3

120

40.00

0

1

89

Virat Kohli

3

115

38.33

0

2

63

Cheteshwar Pujara

2

31

10.33

0

0

19

Subramaniam Badrinath

1

1

00.50

0

0

1

It’s evident from the above table that Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina are the only batsmen who have held that spot for a while. But Yuvraj’s form and fitness issues and Raina’s technical shortcomings haven’t allowed them to retain the slot. As a result, India has lacked that stable option in that position. The top order hasn’t been supported by the No 6, who is expected to form a link between them and the lower order.

The immediate word that is doing the rounds after the Melbourne Test is the axing of Kohli. However, that may not be the best solution as it would just be another chapter in the game of musical chairs. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Duncan Fletcher may have to think of other options and strategies to plug the leak.

One can see from the table above that Laxman has done decently well at No 6. In fact, his average at No 6 is better than his overall career average. The same is true for Dhoni, who has done well in his limited opportunities at number six.

Here are the relevant numbers:

Player

M

Runs

Avg

100s

50s

Highest

VVS Laxman

52

2760

50.18

5

20

154*

MS Dhoni

9

518

57.75

1

4

148

There may be a case for a little bit of a shuffle in the Indian batting line-up. Laxman can drop down to No 6 which would allow Kohli or Rohit, whoever is picked, to come in at No 5. This would add stability to the lower order and, keeping the long-term scenario in perspective, would allow one of the youngsters to bat higher and take up the challenge. Some may say it is a gamble, but it may be worth taking.

Once the big three, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Laxman call it a day, Rohit, Kohli and Pujara are likely to accommodate their positions. With Rohit and Kohli in the squad, it may not be a bad idea to bat them at No 5. These youngsters need to be groomed and a part of that process would be to give them enough exposure. The gamble worked with Pujara on his debut when he was promoted to No 3 in an important run-chase. A similar move might produce wonders, but it has to be taken keeping all factors in consideration.

The other option would be to promote Dhoni to No 6 and demote the youngster by one spot to No 7. With too many wickets falling before and around him, Dhoni hasn’t been able to play his natural game and has got bogged down by the situations. A promotion may help him to express himself and get back into top gear.

Article Source: http://www.cricketcountry.com/cricket-articles/Case-for-VVS-Laxman-or-MS-Dhoni-to-be-played-at-No-6-position/9803

Inder's Sports Blog

Sunday, January 1, 2012

PCB comments on Wahab's selection for UAE series raises a stir

Case for VVS Laxman or MS Dhoni to be played at No 6 position

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