Sunny side up for Indian batting, Gavaskar on board

The thinking behind the BCCI’s move is clear: The Indian team’s batting form of the past two months — mainly in the one-day form — has been in desperate need of a doctor. And Gavaskar is the best around.

A fact not lost on even Sourav Ganguly at the pre-series launch: ‘‘He will be a help in cricketing matters’’, India’s captain said. ‘‘We have had people like Bruce Reid and others over the last couple of years, so this time we have Gavaskar.’’

The word is that the Indian think-tank and specifically Ganguly requested Gavaskar’s services at the end of the Champions Trophy, though the earlier role defined was that of a manager. What it does mean is that Indian team management would have more brains to pick going into the series also being played for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

But where does all this leave John Wright? ‘‘He is very much the coach of the side,’’ was what Ganguly said when asked about the potential conflict of roles.

Even Gavaskar did not believe there would be any digression of any area going into such an important series.‘‘I don’t think there will be any conflict’’, he said. ‘‘We have well-defined roles. In fact my role as a consultant will evolve as the time goes on.’’

However, questions must be raised about the timing of the appointment. A better way could have been for Gavaskar to join the team last week, at the four-day practice match. That would have given him more time to sit down with the top order, especially with the opening pair.

Gavaskar himself hinted at this. ‘‘It is tough. But on the other hand I have had a look at them (team) at the Champions Trophy and NatWest Challenge as well, so that would obviously help.’’

However, he refused to reveal what he has in his mind for the team. ‘‘I have a few suggestions to make and a few areas that we can work on but that is just for the team. At the team meeting today we will have a closer look at those areas.’’