The inaugural match of the ICC KnockOut trophy went according to the general consensus with India notching up a comfortable victory over the host nation, Kenya. The Indians had hardly to sweat with the hosts losing their way in the latter half of the innings. A few positive factors emerged from the encounter and at the same time the need for India to sharpen up was highlighted as well.

Zaheer Khan, the left arm speedster might have convinced enough people that he is a force to reckon with in international cricket. This youngster bowled with a lot of aggression and with common sense to bag three wickets in his first outing. That he went for a few runs is irrelevant when one considers the pace he generated. His relative inexperience should also be taken into account before one ventures into criticism. Khan has shown that he has what it takes to be a genuine quick bowler and it is upto the team management to nurture him and bring out the best in him.

The decision of inserting the opponents was justified by the fact that the Kenyans were bowled out for a score within easy reach. Agarkar provided the early breakthrough and thus came back into his own after a very ordinary start. He was unfortunate later on as he beat the batsmen on numerous occasions outside the off-stump. Both Agarkar and Khan have enormous potential and they can develop into very good strike bowlers even in Test cricket. The ever reliable Kumble came up with his customary act by pinning the Kenyans throughout his spells. It was strange to see Robin Singh not being given a spell since debutant, Yuvraj Singh, was pressed into service. It would have been good practice for Robin as he may be required to bowl in the future games when under pressure.

The Indians batted without any hurry as the target was within manageable proportions. It may not be right to say that the Indian batsmen were rusty but they were struggling for timing more due to the lack of pace both from the bowlers as well off the pitch. Tendulkar was apparently playing far too early and looked like one who is out of touch but in a way the lack of challenge from the Kenyan trundlers did not probably stoke the fire in his belly enough. I am sure that one can see Tendulkar in a different mode altogether against the Australians, as he always loves a challenge.

Ganguly played himself in before he went for his patent offside strokes. It must also be mentioned here that the Kenyans plugged a lot of gaps thereby making it difficult for Ganguly to go through the infield. He has had a mixed season in the English County and his knock must have given him reasonable satisfaction. Dravid was looking good and he was one Indian batsman who timed his shots well. It is imperative that he carries on in the same vein if India has to proceed further in the competition. Kambli, making his come back looked at ease with himself and also the atmosphere that prevails in international cricket. He batted in the manner that he does always, but he would like to forget his stint on the field.

The Indians have a fair bit of time to prepare for their encounter with Australia, which will be on a different plane in comparison to the one they had against Kenya. The conditions are more or less like that you get in the sub-continent and should give the Indians real confidence to put it across the World Cup winners. It is a case of mindset and the Indians have to go into the game against Australia devoid of any negative thought. After all, it is a must win situation for Australia also.

© Woorkheri Raman