When
India and South Africa take the field for the opening game in what is to
be the last edition of the Champions Trophy, one will not see the big
names that are usually associated with these two teams. India have left
out the likes of Sehwag, Yuvraj, Gambhir, Zaheer, Harbhajan and opted
for new young blood in
Dhawan, Rohit, Karthik. South Arica meanwhile are
missing Kallis and Smith because of injury. Steyn is also a major doubt
for today’s game.
Indian cricket is currently going through turmoil and it is Dhoni’s
job to keep the team united and mentally strong. He seems to be doing
his job after demolishing Sri Lanka and Australia in the warm up games. Karthik forced his way into the XI by scoring back to back hundreds. Kohli and Dhoni
also looked in fine touch. There’s a slight concern in the opening
department as Dhawan has an unconfirmed partner who could be Vijay or
Rohit. Depending on the conditions Pathan could get the nod ahead of
Jadeja if India want to go in with a four prong pace attack. Many are
waiting to see how this new look pace attack of Yadav and Kumar stack up in English conditions.
South Africa are currently enjoying a golden run under the guidance
of Kirsten who will be stepping down post this tournament. The team
suffered blows with loss of Kallis and Smith but they have enough
quality as back up. Duminy returns from injury and he showed his
class and experience with a blistering hundred not long ago. His
experience will be needed in the middle to guide the lower middle order.
SA are sweating on the fitness of Steyn for this game and it seems
highly unlikely he will feature. Kleinveldt will be his replacement. The
rest of the side seems to pick itself with Mclaren slotting in as the
all rounder. Amla and AB Devilliers will be the danger men and the mainstay of the South African line-up.
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