Heavy responsibility on Murali Vijay's shoulders

[JUGRAJ SINGH]

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Opener Murali Vijay has figured in 22 Tests but not yet cemented his place in the team and continues to remain unpredictable with the bat. He has the technique and temperament, as well as a perfect game, to shine in England.[FLOAT]http://im.rediff.com/sports/2014/jun/23india2.jpg[/FLOAT]

With Gambhir returning to the team after a long lay-off, but probably not sure of finding a berth in the playing eleven, and slasher Shikhar Dhawan increasingly unreliable for his tendency to play irresponsible shots even in Test matches, there is a heavy responsibility on Vijay’s shoulders to lay the foundation for a good total by dropping anchor at the other end.

To recall Gambhir for an important tour of England is a wise decision. He is a champion batsman who has already proved his ability in all formats. Petty things like form, or lack of it, should hardly be a hindrance for players like Gambhir provided they are fit and capable of lasting for a few years more. It does not take them long to strike the form or play to their full potential when the occasion is big. Gambhir might not find it easy to get into the playing eleven, but his presence ought to serve as a warning for Vijay and Dhawan, who will have to keep performing.

Chances are that even if the regular openers are in form, but a middle-order batsman or two are not, Team India may risk playing Gambhir, irrespective of where he bats, given his vast experience. It is almost a foregone conclusion that Kohli and Pujara will make the most of the five Tests and, as is their wont, enhance their reputation by essaying some brilliant, mammoth innings. Another batsman whose success in England can be taken for granted is Ajinkya Rahane, who has never ceased to impress since his Test debut against Australia a year ago. If anything, he was one of India’s few successes in South Africa and New Zealand.

For all his great talent and a couple of big innings in his six-Test career so far, Rohit Sharma gives the impression of being an enigma of sorts at the Test level. He will have to show more application and determination to succeed in England. While his approach is very positive, he must understand that patience at the crease has an important place in the serious business of Test cricket.

Despite its inexperience and certain minus points, this very batting line-up, which has Dhoni at No. 7, Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8 and Ravichandran Ashwin at No. 9, who are no pushovers with the bat, can pose serious threats to English bowlers even in England provided they strike collectively pretty consistently. Each and every Indian batsman has proved his worth, even in adversity, at one time or the other, and the team’s success will depend largely on how and how often they perform in unison. In order to compensate for India’s poor bowling, particularly medium-pace, they will have to.
 
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