Champions Trophy Update

Hi, Namaste, Salaam, Vannakum to all

This is krishnas expert opinion on the ongoing Champions Trophy.

First of all congratulations to Srilanka for registering a thumping win against No 1 SA. Srilanka is always a force because it has match winning bowlers in its armory. With a strong middle order and flashy openers I bet they will be through to the Semis. I have a soft corner for SA as it has some exceptional players in its side but lack the vital luck factor. They were basically unprepared as they have been out of cricket for quite sometime. The last game was an eyeopener and I bet they will come blazing in their next game.Kiwis, Watch out... .

Another surprise package is the resurgent Pakistan . Though , they had a weak team as an opponent in todays win, their confidence is on a high and they will be rearing to get on to the field on Saturday against their arch rivals. With convincing wins against Srilanka and Warriors in the practice games, they look really good to book a place in the Semis.

Now,the hard part......India with its No 2 tag behind them, suddenly look lost. Their practice game was a shocker, but they can bring a smile on to their faces by remembering the just concluded Compaq cup. India looks so bad without Sehwag. With sehwag in the line up I am sure the opponents are really wary about ways to get him because one just cannot restrict him. This gives the space and time for the other batsmen to come through. If he gives a perfect start for the game, Yuvraj is the perfect finisher to a chase. I am not going into the details of their bowling prowess, but I consider Sehwag to be a very useful and wicket taking bowler and Yuvraj has been bowling quite ok in the recent past. I cannot comprehend a Ind ODI line up without these two.
Of course, injuries are part and parcel of this game and I hope Yuvi doesnt take much time for his recovery.There are few positives we can take from his injury. Firstly, he has been playing non stop cricket and this will be a good break for him. Of course he would be ruing his fate for missing the all important CT ,but there is nothing he can do about it. Secondly, this is a real good chance for the likes of Kohli, Yusuf, Nayar and even Raina to cement their places in the XI.Yusuf has really not got any proper oppurtunity in this format to show his talent. If he can seal a few wins for India with his bat here ,I bet he would become the poster boy of Indian Cricket for an year. Lot actually depends on Sachin, Dravid, Dhoni and Gambhir. At least two of them have to get a big score in every match to register a win. Dhoni should be praying for his envious luck to continue and smile upon him. Without Sehwag & Yuvraj and with a not so fit Gambhir I am sure he would not like to chase .The safest option will be to bat first and get a decent total and hope that our bowlers dont go crazy.......

So, good luck to SA for their match against NZ. I personally would be happy to see SA win, but this is cricket.Anything can happen.
Players to watch out for
SA : AB , Duminy ,Botha
NZ : Mcullum , Vettori , Bond