A major concern for India prior to the start of the Champions Trophy was their openeing combination as both Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir couldn't make it to the squad due continued below par performances. But that concern was soon wiped away as the new opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma gave India good starts very regularly in the tournament. The more prolific batsman of the pair was Shikhar Dhawan who, following his mindblowing debut Test century against Australia, looked to be in sublime form amassing 363 runs from the tournament with an outstanding average of 90.75. Two back to back centuries; 114 against South Africa at Cardiff and 102* against West Indies at The Oval; and also scores like 48 against Pakistan at Birmingham, 68 against Sri Lanka at Cardiff and 31 in the finals against England in a rain marred game at Birmingham, ensured that he lifted the Golden Bat award for the top scorer in the tournament. His partner Rohit Sharma seemed to have adjusted to the opener's role quite comfortable and seemed to be in his forte with two consecutive half centuries to start off the tournament, to silence his critics and also do justice to the faith that his skipper M.S.Dhoni has on him. But after that he again seemed to get back to his old self, squandering good starts. It will be very important to see how Rohit Sharma performs in this series as his inconsistency is a worrying matter that has constantly given the Indian team trouble. And also it is a matter of concern that big scores continue to elude this batsman whose strokeplay is absolutely beautiful when he is at his best. It is sad that a player gifted with such good technique and one who oozes with batting talent, hasn't been able to cement his place in the side for an extended period of time.
Virat Kohli, a player rated as one of the finest young batsmen in international cricket currently, didn't give his best at the start of the tournament, being dismissed after making good starts in the first three matches of the tournament. But a fine half century against Sri Lanka in the Semi Final and a well made, steady 43 against England when it mattered the most, assured everyone that this Delhiite's good form had not gone anywhere. A lot will always be expected from this Golden Boy of Indian cricket.
Suresh Raina, the exciting southpaw from Uttar Pradesh, didn't do much with bat in the Champions Trophy. But his talent with the bat and ability to give the team good finishes is unquestionable and his mere presence in the field lifts the spirit of the whole team, no matter what the situation is and is one of the finest fielders in today's game.
After centuries in both the warm up games, a lot was expected from the lad from Tamil Nadu, Dinesh Karthik. He didn't quite live up to the expectations but did score a valuable half century against West Indies at The Oval and he has always been a livewire in the field taking some breathtaking catches and making brilliant saves, and he seemed to be at his best in the outfield in the tournament.
Skipper M.S.Dhoni added another feather to his already full cap by lifting the Champions Trophy, which came India's way mainly due to some difficult but brave selections. Dhoni didn't get to do much with the bat in the tournament but was at his usual best with the gloves, and his captaincy, which seems to be maturing with every match, was absolutely impressive, especially with the use of Jadeja. One of the finest performer in the tournament was Ravindra Jadeja picking up 12 wickets in the tournament, which earned him the Golden Ball award, and proved to be more than useful with the bat, giving the side the perfect balance. He is slowly turning out to be one of the finest all rounders in the modern game and might actually be deemed fit to earn the 'Sir' tag if he continues playing the way he currently is.
India's bowling unit silenced all the critics with their 3 seamers and 2 spinners attack. India's recent find Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was at his economical best in suitable conditions, swinging the ball both ways. The lanky pacer Ishant Sharma seemed a different bowler, hitting the deck hard and also producing sufficient amount of swing at the same time. He picked up 10 wickets in the tournament which also included a 'Man of the Match' winning spell in the Semi Final. Pacer Umesh Yadav surprised everyone with his clinical bowling spell against Australia in the Warm up game to pick up a 5 wicket haul. His ability to take wickets at regularly intervals makes him an important addition to India's bowling arsenal but he needs to work on his economy rate. India's current spin wiz, Ashwin, picked up 8 wickets in the tournament. He continued to land the bowl in the correct areas, regularly foxing the batsmen with his carrom ball.
This Indian team looks to be in brilliant form and oozing with confidence and will look to go with all guns blazing into this Tri Series. The only drawback that the team might facing is fatigue, having very little time to rest after their Champions Trophy victory.
-SN
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