Before the Indians took the field to defend their score against Sri Lanka on Saturday,they were held back for a formality. Three rows of white plastic chairs were laid out uniformly on the grass,as the Indian squad gathered to get their team photograph for the Zimbabwe tour clicked. Suresh Raina sat in the middle,flanked by his deputy Virat Kohli and coach Gary Kirsten,while the back row was occupied by the freshers seven of whom made their international debuts during the course of the series. Roughly about three hours after their smiling poses,the chairs remained on the sidelines in all its uniformity,but this time around,the players cut a less-than-photogenic picture. And as the national selectors gather back home on Monday to choose Team Indias squad for the upcoming Asia Cup,the photograph will remain the only source of comfort and national team memory for some. Much was expected from their raw talent,but the step-up into the big stage seemed to have done them more harm then good. Skipper Suresh Raina too,was left barren with excuses. Theyve been very disappointing. The debutants cant expect to just come in and expect results without working for it. The bowling has been poor and the fielding poorer. Only the selectors can tell whether they get a chance again, Raina had said. Most of the seven debutants failed to rise to the occasion,although R Ashwin was an exception in his only opportunity. The batting order often lacked spine,and were found found wanting in most games. Murali Vijay scored 46 runs in three matches,with a top score of 21,while Naman Ojhas return from the series was one run from as many games. Team India regulars though Kohli (168 runs in four games) and Ravindra Jadeja (131 runs and five wickets) will not have much to worry about when the selection committee meet on Monday,as they will continue to retain their spot even after the senior members return. Rohit Sharma,though,who has been more out than in the national side,is bound to become a regular feature in Team India following his 260 runs,which included both his international centuries. Todays match: SL vs Zim Live on Ten Sports 12.30 pm
