KOLKATA: The deal is settled, revenge has been struck and the Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma combination is set for a dream start.
So, what’s left for Garden of EdenWhere is the final T20I of the India-New Zealand series to be held on Sunday? Experiment, innovate and seek a clean sweep against a team of hosts often described as the best in all formats.
When players walk down the sacred Eden turf, fully aware that the game they are about to start is just for academic interest, they will still have some motivation: to make it 3-0 for the Indians. To make and find some solace in the consolation win for New Zealand.
Dead rubber may not always mean a dull game and India will certainly look to dominate Sunday with a win. After losing to New Zealand in crucial matches in the recent past, Rohit’s team would be looking to make a statement. For the first time in this series, the toss will have to be won for the third time. Dew will also be expected in Eden after dusk, though not as heavy as in Ranchi. This makes the toss important.
new coach Dravidian In the two matches he has been in charge of, he had more than a wrinkle on his face. He will certainly be counting the positives but also looking at the areas which have caused some hiccups. The middle order faltered for one in the first game of the series. The second game didn’t go deep enough to test the middle order.
There is a positivity in the opening pair. Rohit and his deputy KL Rahul have proved to be very strong at the top. In fact, he has given India a start which can lead the middle-order to become a bit complacent.
Rahul Dravid Saturday at the Eden Gardens. (ANI photo)
Ravichandran Ashwin is another big positive that Dravid will be out of this series. Four bad overs in the middle can change the fate of any T20 match and Ashwin continues to do so. In the game of Ranchi, he Axar Patel matches their performance.
Then there is the bench which keeps indicating that India have enough resources to turn around and rest the key players. Harshal Patel jumped at the opportunity provided by mohammed sirajiInjury and Dravid may have to face a lot of problems. Harshal proved in just four days less than 31 that India’s back had full faith in their talent. “I never felt that the dream (of playing for India) was running out,” he said after his man-of-the-match attempt at Ranchi. In fact, Dravid would like to try some of his benches on Sunday. Ruturaj Gaikwadi, Ishan Kishan, Avesh Khan and Yuvendra Chahal will be hoping to get into action by giving up their bibs.
Every international player is aggressive enough to go for the win, whatever the situation, although the expression may be different. Virat Kohli Some can do this with strong body language, while Rohit Sharma Might like a subtle smile. The bottom line is that they will do their best to bring a dead match to life.
So Eden Gardens, which last saw international action two years ago when India beat Bangladesh in their first ever Pink Ball Test, can expect some Sunday fireworks.
The series is done and the dust is gathering, there’s still the final nail on the house.
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