Turn, turn, turn
The fourth in our series of articles examining how the Indian team is shaping up for the coming 2003-04 season
Anand Vasu
09-Sep-2003
The fourth in our series of articles examining how the Indian team is shaping up for the coming 2003-04 season. This one focusses on spinners.
The emergence of genuine medium-pace bowling options has caused India to rely less and less on their spinners. While Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh might be two of the best spinners around, India often play just one spinner, especially abroad. This virtually closes the door on aspiring spinners in the country. Only injury, or unavailability, even gives rise to the question of India's spin bowling bench. And strangely, while a new medium pacer seems to crop up every month, you don't need to look beyond three men if you're looking to replace Harbhajan or Kumble. Wisden CricInfo examines the options, and takes the opinion of some experts on this matter.
Murali
Kartik
Murali Kartik is the best left-arm orthodox spinner in the country - you won't get any arguments on that count. The fact that he has played just four Tests and five one-dayers in the last four years, despite showing immense promise, is testimony to the success Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh have enjoyed. Kartik, once a hot-headed youngster, has matured into a patient practitioner of a difficult art. He has made vital contributions with the bat in domestic cricket, but his bowling skills alone make him the first man the selectors should turn to if Harbhajan or Kumble is injured.
Murali Kartik is the best left-arm orthodox spinner in the country - you won't get any arguments on that count. The fact that he has played just four Tests and five one-dayers in the last four years, despite showing immense promise, is testimony to the success Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh have enjoyed. Kartik, once a hot-headed youngster, has matured into a patient practitioner of a difficult art. He has made vital contributions with the bat in domestic cricket, but his bowling skills alone make him the first man the selectors should turn to if Harbhajan or Kumble is injured.
Sarandeep
Singh
Although an off-spinner, Sarandeep is a very different kind of bowler from Harbhajan. Shorter in build and slower through the air, Sarandeep does not quite generate the fizzing turn and bounce that makes Harbhajan so difficult to play. Continued success in the Ranji Trophy keeps him close to national selection. However, it is hard to see the national selectors playing two offspinners in tandem and this weakens Sarandeep's case. What does go in his favour is the fact that he has made the best of any opportunities that have come his way.
Although an off-spinner, Sarandeep is a very different kind of bowler from Harbhajan. Shorter in build and slower through the air, Sarandeep does not quite generate the fizzing turn and bounce that makes Harbhajan so difficult to play. Continued success in the Ranji Trophy keeps him close to national selection. However, it is hard to see the national selectors playing two offspinners in tandem and this weakens Sarandeep's case. What does go in his favour is the fact that he has made the best of any opportunities that have come his way.
Amit
Mishra
Young, energetic and keen to give the ball a big rip, Amit Mishra has had plenty of success recently. Fourteen wickets, including a five-for in the India A tour of England, meant that he returned home with his reputation enhanced. Just 21 years old, Mishra has shown remarkable control over his line and length in the three international outings he has had so far. If the selectors take the strong move of bringing Kumble's career to an end, Mishra will be the man they turn to.
Young, energetic and keen to give the ball a big rip, Amit Mishra has had plenty of success recently. Fourteen wickets, including a five-for in the India A tour of England, meant that he returned home with his reputation enhanced. Just 21 years old, Mishra has shown remarkable control over his line and length in the three international outings he has had so far. If the selectors take the strong move of bringing Kumble's career to an end, Mishra will be the man they turn to.
The rest
When you get past these three, there's not much quality to choose from. Sairaj Bahutule had a good Ranji season with Mumbai, but has had his chances at the international level and failed to deliver. Another man who caught the eye in the last season, was Ramesh Powar. Although he did not have five-wicket hauls by the bagful, his offbreaks tilted the balance in Mumbai's favour with crucial dismissals. While it's all right to entertain some hope, neither should wait anxiously by the phone for a call from the selectors.
When you get past these three, there's not much quality to choose from. Sairaj Bahutule had a good Ranji season with Mumbai, but has had his chances at the international level and failed to deliver. Another man who caught the eye in the last season, was Ramesh Powar. Although he did not have five-wicket hauls by the bagful, his offbreaks tilted the balance in Mumbai's favour with crucial dismissals. While it's all right to entertain some hope, neither should wait anxiously by the phone for a call from the selectors.
Expert views
Maninder Singh: For me, Murali Kartik is a class apart. But you have to consider the fact that Sarandeep has made the best of his chances and Mishra has done well on A tours. In the end, though, Kartik wins because he has great attitude to go with talent. He should be allowed to do what he does best. In the few chances he got he was not allowed to flight the ball too much and didn't always get the fields he wanted. If you gave him the responsibility, and some freedom, I bet he'll perform beyond expectations.
Maninder Singh: For me, Murali Kartik is a class apart. But you have to consider the fact that Sarandeep has made the best of his chances and Mishra has done well on A tours. In the end, though, Kartik wins because he has great attitude to go with talent. He should be allowed to do what he does best. In the few chances he got he was not allowed to flight the ball too much and didn't always get the fields he wanted. If you gave him the responsibility, and some freedom, I bet he'll perform beyond expectations.
L Sivaramakrishnan: Murali Kartik is the one I would go with. He is by far the best left-arm spinner in the country. If you remember, he was practically the only bowler who did well against the West Indies. He didn't get to play in New Zealand because of the wickets. I believe he's the best bet for the longer version of the game. He gives the ball a bit of air, and he can do well on different kinds of wickets. Even in Mohali, where the ball doesn't turn square, he would be effective because he beats batsmen in the air as well as off the wicket. To my mind, it doesn't matter whether it's Kumble or Harbhajan who's unavailable, Kartik's the next best spinner and he should get the nod.
Arshad Ayub: I would certainly say that Murali Kartik is the first person we should think of in case there's an injury to one of the
established spinners. I know that Mishra has been taking wickets and
that Sarandeep is a steady bowler, but Kartik is in a class of his
own. Sarandeep is the kind of bowler who can keep one end tight, bowling a good line and length. But in the longer version of the game, you need someone who can be disciplined and take wickets. In that sense, if Kartik is given the right breaks, I'm sure he can be a matchwinner for India at the highest level.
Anand Vasu is assistant editor of Wisden CricInfo in India.