India ponder changes
January 26, 2012 14:36:22 UK
Gautam Gambhir and the head of the BCCI have both recently stated that India's troubles will be at an end when they leave Australia.
They could be right as their next five series are at home to Pakistan, which may not be easy, then away to Sri Lanka with New Zealand, England and Australia at home to follow. If they perform well in these series they could be well back at number one before they visit South Africa for Christmas 2013.
India face the possibility of losing all their elder statesmen during this spell with VVS Laxman already standing in the exit door. Rahul Dravid, who held the team together in England, may replace Virender Sehwag at the top of the order but could also leave the arena. Sachin Tendulkar will no doubt decide his own departure date, but after he finally achieves his hundredth ton, he may not have enough impetus to continue his glittering career.
Should Duncan Fletcher survive another Australian mauling, he will no doubt press forward with the changes. Virat Kohli could be promoted to three with Rohit Sharma at six and Ajinkya Rahane as an opener. Irfan Pathan can expect a recall at nine to add strength to the tail. He has 100 Test wickets and averages in the thirties with bat and ball, so will appeal to Fletcher.
India are 5.00 to win the 2015 World Cup while Australia are at 4.50 and South Africa are at 5.00.
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