Mission M&M

India needs to be bold and innovative with their strategies if they are to be competitive in Srilanka. It's very clear that a 5-0 scoreline is staring us in the face. Here is my strategy note...

We need to continue playing 5 bowlers. Our best chance is to restrict the Lankan's to a reasonable score if they are setting it or less than our's if they are chasing. Everyone talks about Srilanka's strength (their bowling), but i am sure that at the back of his mind Mahela is worried about his batting. It's dependent on the big 3 and we need to get them out if we are to do well. It's a blessing that all 3 come in the top order. A good spell from Zaheer and co can break their back.

Now, to the best approach to batting. Or let's say, the best appraoch to tackle Murali and Mendis. We have two sets of batsmen- those comfortable facing M&M and those who dont have a clue. Those comfortable facing them need to face the bulk of the 20 overs they will bowl. Those not comfortable should be given the best chance of facing them- they should face them only once they have spent a good number of overs at the crease.

Sehwag (if he is fit), Gambhir and Dhoni look like the 3 most capable of facing them. They should be India's middle order. Yuvraj, Rohit and Raina should allowed to bat at the most comfortable time and should be well set before they get to face M&M. So, they need to be India's top order. Infact, batting at the top against Vaas & co must be the easiest task in Srilankan conditions. So, my batting order will be

Raina

Rohit

Yuvraj

Gambhir

Sehwag

Dhoni

Irfan should be a floater and if the openers get off to a good start, he should come up and try and score a quick 40 odd.

This might look too radical and unorthodox, but you need to be exactly that when faced with a challenge like M&M. I would infact go on to suggest that if we have wickets in hand and a guy like Sehwag to come in, a set batsman should take on Murali. he doesnt react too well when put under a hammer. Here is an interesting sub-plot- Imagine the pressure Murali will be under, if he is taken for runs while Mendis is bowling tight. Infact, I think, the advent of Mendis will harm Murali more than help him.