Challenger Trophy Opens up endless possibilities

The Indian team has just returned from a morale shattering tour of Australia. In contrast, the Under-19 side has returned from Sri Lanka with the World Cup. The domestic cricket scene is warming up to its climax. Cricket fever is at its peak right now. With a big series against South Africa to look forward to, Indian cricketers have everything to play for in the Challenger Trophy that starts on February 10. The three teams gather at Motera in Ahmedabad to fight it out for the trophy.

Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Javagal Srinath have already pulled out of the event, giving the other players an even better chance of making a mark.

Three men who will be going flat out to impress are Md Azharuddin, Nayan Mongia and Vinod Kambli. Azhar and Kambli have enjoyed good form in domestic cricket, making their cases rather strong. The failure of both MSK Prasad and Sameer Dighe will make it very difficult for the selectors to ignore Mongia.

From the domestic cricket scene, we have the usual suspects. Dodda Ganesh has been soldiering manfully on for three seasons now but not been rewarded. S Sarath, Virendra Shewag, Murali Karthik, Jai P Yadav and Devendra Bundela have all played representative matches and have been talked of as India material for a while now. Whether the selectors will be bold enough to finally take the plunge and blood one or more of these youngsters remains to be seen. Apart from these players, Ashish Kapoor has also been given another go, as he finds a place in the India A side.

The third chunk of players is from the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup. Six deserving cricketers have been picked - Md Kaif, RS Sodhi, Yuvraj Singh, Niraj Patel, Ajay Ratra and Anup Dave. Sodhi, with his all solidity, will be tested at a higher level and that might throw up interesting results. Patel displayed impeccable temperament when playing with his peers. It remains to be seen whether the pressure of playing with and aginst some of his idols will cramp his style. Kaif, Yuvraj and Dave will be glad for the opportunity to flex their muscles against tougher opposition.

When India Seniors take on India A in the opening game of the Challenger Trophy, most players will be thinking about the three day game between South Africa and the Board President's XI, commencing in Mumbai on February 19. The President's XI is to be picked during the Challenger Trophy and the composition of this side will be an indicator to the kind of choices the selectors will make for the series against South Africa.