Despite series win, loose ends remain

The Indian team management may be crowing with delight with the cricketers taking an unassailable 2-0 lead against Bangladesh in the one-day series...

The Indian team management may be crowing with delight with the cricketers taking an unassailable 2-0 lead against Bangladesh in the one-day series, but there is no mistaking the several chinks in the armour of the visitors which need to be mended. While the series win against the neighbouring nation may help the team leave behind bitter memories of the World Cup, it is a matter of debate whether the Indians are well equipped for the upcoming assignments against South Africa and England.

The fielding blues still continue, the batting department is not free of problems, and the pacers have also failed to fire in the two ODIs played so far. While Dravid has admitted that the fielding needed to improve, he has been constantly harping on the tough hot and humid conditions to as the prime reason.

The Indians fielded poorly in the tour opener, and though the performance was a shade better in the second game played yesterday, fielding coach Robin Singh has his task cut out. In the first match, the top order failed with half the Indian sideback into the pavilion by the 29th over and it was left to wicket-keepers Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Dinesh Kaarthick to turn the match around and lead India home without any further hiccups.

The form of Virender Sehwag, whose bat seems to have gone dry for eternity, is also a cause of worry for the team management. But more cause for concern are the soft dismissals which he has been falling prey to so regularly. However, Dravid continues to protect Sehwag. 8220;Every top order batsman has his role. They have to be aggressive. Go for their shots. And they may fail one of these days,8221; he said.

Dinesh Mongia, making a comeback into the Indian team after five months, has also failed to deliver so far, going out for 17 in both the matches. Yuvraj Singh played a cameo yesterday, but the team expects far more from the stylish left-hander. In the pace bowling department, Zaheer Khan picked up a couple of wickets in the second match, but Munaf Patel has been anything but impressive.

On the other hand, the tour has also thrown up several pluses. Dhoni, under attack till recently for being not among runs, served the team magnificently in the opening encounter where he showed dollops of maturity in trying circumstances.