Windies throw down the gauntlet

8216;8216;What the hell was that?8217;8217; was the reaction from one of the young members of the Indian team to Sri Lanka8217;s 33-run...

8216;8216;What the hell was that?8217;8217; was the reaction from one of the young members of the Indian team to Sri Lanka8217;s 33-run loss at the Premadasa Stadium to the West Indies.

The senior players preferred to reserve their reactions but will be aware that the final league game of the triangular has suddenly metamorphosed into a virtual semi final for them, yet again.

The Indians have been here before and more often than not have found themselves in such situations only for a saviour to see them through to the finals.

Virender Sehwag was one of those heroes on many occasions and India will be hoping that he can find his touch again 8212; both with the bat and more importantly with the ball.

Sehwag has had decent success filling in as the fifth bowler for the team but his indifferent form has made the opposition target his bowling, usually resulting in the difference between a win and a loss. India will do well to glance at today8217;s scorecard where the West Indies opted for five specialist bowlers and a part-timer.

It might be important for them to realise that they have to add muscle to the bowling with the shaky form of the batsmen. The other lesson to learn from the West Indies is the way their rookie batsmen have played Muttiah Muralitharan. In both the league games, the Windies batsmen have managed to counter Murali by attacking him in the first game and playing him without undue risks in the second. Indian batsmen need to play the ball more than Murali. Coach Greg Chappell is keen to win this tournament and has asked his players to win Sunday8217;s game against the West Indies as a birthday gift for him. After today8217;s result, the Indians are now contemplating a change in their plans.

Skipper Rahul Dravid had a brief conversation with the coach and called for a team meeting at breakfast on Sunday. India have to beat West Indies, at all costs, to play the final against the hosts. A two-spin attack seems imminent; the possibility of a fit Yuvraj Singh claiming his place back is strong. Ashish Nehra is expected to make way for Kumble, who spent quality time at the nets today.

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The Windies are expected to retain the same team for the match.

Scores:

West Indies

226-7 from 50 overs S. Chanderpaul 57, S.Joseph 58 Vs Sri Lanka 193 in 47 overs R. Arnold 59, O. Banks 2-24, D. Powell 2-28