Team India’s biggest problem at present is the poor form of their openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag as they have failed to fire their cylinders since long. However the selectors would get some respite from the fact that all the probable openers eying a place in the Test squad based on their performance in Irani Cup have done reasonably well.

Murali Vijay scored a terrific hundred on Thursday, while his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan made 63 runs. On Friday, Wasim Jaffer scored 80 runs while Ajinkya Rahane went on to make 83 runs for Mumbai in the first innings of Irani trophy.

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir had been looking very rusty in past few Tests series and selectors had but no choice than to continue with the reputed names in absence of good performers at those slots. But now the tables have been turned. The chances are high that if not both than at least one is sure to face the axe from the Test team as the four opening batsmen in the ongoing Irani Cup have done well enough to catch the selectors’ attention. Murali Vijay, who played a brilliant knock on Friday, is a sure shot contender for opening pair and the reason for that is his adaptability. The way he can switch on and off his run making abilities is very much required at the highest level. Indian team has failed to get a good start throughout the last season and bringing in a fresh face in form of Murali Vijay can be very productive.

Meanwhile Wasim Jaffer is the cornerstone of Mumbai batting order. His ability to keep a price on his wicket makes him a treat to watch out for. Jaffer likes to play the ball at its merit rather than throwing his bat over every delivery. The way he galvanizes his innings is what youngsters should learn from him. His batting success on Indian pitches is very well known. His age may not be on the right side for selection, but then he is getting better and better with every inning and in the present situation, he can easily be given a chance as a stop gap arrangement until India finds a suitable replacement.

Ajinkya Rahane too played very well to reach 83 runs off 183 balls. He kept his patience throughout his innings and showed he is not only an explosive ODI batsman but also a very good batter for longer format as well. He complimented Jaffer really well when Mumbai was in a serious trouble. His control over his shots was worth watching and that is primarily required in Test cricket.

Meanwhile Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 63 runs in the first innings against Mumbai on the first day of Irani trophy, too looked in good touch. He was timing the ball really well and was cautious in the first 10 to 15 overs. This is what Gautam and Sehwag had been lacking against England in the Test series. He had scored couple of hundreds this season against quality pace attacks. He has what it takes to be at international level but has unlucky with the opportunities given to him.

Now the time has come where selection should be done on performance rather than on reputation It’s right time to bring in the new players before Indian team tours to South-Africa for playing Test matches in the latter part of the year.

By Amit Chopra
Indian Sports News Network