Robin Uthappa’s (pic below) consistent performance on either side of the stumps has earned him a comeback, leaving Wriddhiman Saha wondering if he will ever be considered as first choice.
The ability to be a multi-dimensional cricketer assumes great significance in an era of limited overs cricket. None has understood this better than Robin Uthappa who has utilised his basic talent to keep wickets to supplement his batting. He was reluctant to take up the thankless job behind the stumps but a matter of necessity ensured that there was no way out. Moreover, reality seemed to have kicked in, in that a comeback to the National team looked distant unless he added a new dimension to his cricket. In the last year or so, he has really improved his glove work by leaps and bounds, so much so that he appeared to enjoy his keeping even in the duration games. His consistent performance on either side of the stumps has earned him a comeback, leaving Saha wondering if he will ever be considered as first choice.
Uthappa will get the opportunities that he has been yearning for along with Vijay who has waited long enough for his bid in the ODIs. It will be a new partnership and can well go on to really challenge the Rohit-Dhawan combo if both Uthappa and Vijay perform well. Vijay has to now reflect on how and why he lost his place in the ODIs and make sure he does not repeat the same mistakes. He tried to surpass himself by looking to knock everything that was hurled at him instead of playing himself in and increasing his chances to succeed. In a way, he put the cart before the horse but he has matured a lot in his outlook and therefore, he will do what is required of him to establish himself.
The opening partnership apart, the new-look Indian side to Zimbabwe under Rahane will be keen to make a mark. The elevation to captaincy will provide Rahane the confidence that he needs as far as ODI cricket is concerned because he has not had a good run in recent times. He has the knack of getting runs in the shorter format but only after he gets his eye in. Going in to bat when the situation demands quick runs, he may not be the ultimate choice but this series will give him the opportunities to develop that ability. He may be tempted to open the innings like he does for his IPL franchisee but the selectors would not encourage him to do so.
The resting of a few regular members of Team India will serve the youngsters picked to display their talent. Besides, it is not a no-win situation as it would have been had the full side been picked. Zimbabwe may not be the best in the business but they will pose a challenge no doubt. The youngsters will need to utilise this series to impress the selectors and the team management if only to keep their chances alive for the future. The short tour may not seem much but for those who are desperate to get into the Indian team, every opportunity is a godsend.
It is a very important tour for someone like Tiwary who has missed out in the past largely due to injuries. This tour may well be a make or mar kind of situation for him, as quite a few youngsters have emerged in the last couple of seasons. Then, of course, he has been around long enough to know that he needs to try and do his bit without looking over his shoulders. Hopefully he will put up good performances, as he is a good player in the limited overs format. However, his resolve will be tested and most importantly he should play without allowing himself to reflect on too many things.
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