India v West Indies, 7th ODI, Vijayawada
Sunday, November 24, 2002

Marlon Samuels made all the difference in this decisive match, after Javagal Srinath and Ajit Agarkar had given India the perfect start. With some assistance from a slowish pitch, the two bowlers were able to keep to the length they both prefer in the opening stages and as a result, bowled their best spells of the series.

But India had no answer to the class and skill of Ramnaresh Sarwan and Samuels. Samuels transformed the match after coming in at number five, with a breathtaking exhibition of clean hitting. He was so comfortable striking the ball straight through the line and placing it pretty much where he liked. As for Sarwan, he's the most difficult of batsmen to bowl to. He appears to have an answer to everything and a full range of strokes. More importantly, he has that unique ability to play the ball late, adjusting his shot at the last minute if needed.

Between them, they took a match that appeared to be heading India's way and placed it out of their reach. Once they got 315, you knew India required a miracle. It was crucial that they got off to the sort of flying start that they had in the NatWest Trophy final, and at Ahmedabad where they chased down 324. This time though, the openers couldn't get away and the opposition didn't have to wrestle with the fear of the impossible being possible.

Once Virender Sehwag departed, all chances of a flyer were left behind on the runway. Neither Dinesh Mongia nor VVS Laxman could launch the sort of audacious assault that could have upset the bowlers' rhythm. It was too much to expect Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh to salvage matters once India were 67 for 4.

By the end, it looked as though the relentless cricket treadmill had taken its toll on the Indians. Their approach was almost casual at times and I won't be too harsh on the players because a schedule that involves seven one-day matches can really wear you down. The selectors did their bit by rotating players and giving a few players an opportunity to showcase their talents but by and large, it was West Indies who benefited more.

They have unearthed some excellent young players, who now look at ease in the high-pressure world of international cricket. Now, they need to ensure that they carry this momentum into the World Cup.

For India, Murali Kartik was the find – or rediscovery – of the series. Though he had an ordinary outing today, he's the sort of bowler who can get you wickets in that vital phase between the 15th and 35th overs. He looks to attack and that aspect of his game should be encouraged.

It was a bit disappointing that Yuvraj and Kaif didn't get more of a chance higher up the order. It would have been nice to see them promoted up the order in a couple of matches so that India would have other options to fall back on in South Africa. Instead, it was West Indies, after a poor start to the tour, who finished the series much the stronger - full of zest while India looked like they had crossed a rope bridge too far.

Sanjay Manjrekar, the mainstay of India's batting in the late 1980s and early '90s, will be providing the Expert View on every match of this ODI series. He was speaking to Dileep Premachandran.

More Expert View
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Match 2
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Match 5
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