 Superb start
 Rahul Dravid could not have asked for a better present from Sachin Tendulkar on a comeback trail. The Little Master’s return to form was perfectly timed and was surely responsible at least in part for the new spring in Dravid’s step. The man of the match was in splendid batting form and led the side with confidence and élan, as he was always capable of, but perhaps not allowed to in the past - by forces working against his and the team’s interests.
 Even more exciting than Irfan Pathan’s controlled fireworks at the top of the order was the excellent use of the spin bowling resources at his command by the captain, and his audacious field placements. Harbhajan Singh bowled better than he has for some time past, and some of the credit must surely go the captain and coach, who have obviously given him the confidence that indiscretions with the media are a thing of the past, so long as he is willing to give 100 per cent to the team’s cause. Murali Kartik bowled with a freedom he has seldom demonstrated in the past, and for this too, Dravid deserves compliments.
 Sreesanth toiled manfully in batsman-friendly conditions, and was rewarded at the death with a couple of wickets. The encouragement he received from captain Dravid and senior pro Tendulkar was heartwarming. Pathan was in his element, swinging the ball, but yet to come to terms with his direction.
The fielding was top class, a reflection of the efforts put in by the new team management and the players. Team morale seems to be high, a nice surge from the depths of recent past.
Things look good for the Indian team, with both youth and experience clicking, but Sri Lanka cannot be written off, one-day cricket is a funny game, and a few problems could emerge or be created from the current situation. The big question is how will the selectors deal with Sourav Ganguly’s claims for a place in the team, especially if he continues to make runs convincingly? Who among the newcomers will make place for him? Well, India won’t mind problems of plenty, I am sure!
V Ramnarayan
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