March 1, 2003
Form guide: Pakistan
I would like Rahul Dravid to come in at three because there are two important players at the top. If India is under pressure, I think Ganguly might do something silly at number three - more so since he is not in the best of form yet.
Actually I would also want to play Anil Kumble at the expense of Dinesh Mongia. I know that seven batsmen is a comforting thought for the skipper, but Mongia has not looked the role of a batsman in touch. I don't mind if a player looks good and gets out, you want to give him another chance -- but not Mongia in this form. He is to my mind the best reserve batsman we have.
Pakistan batsmen have a tendency of playing the spinners in a carefree manner. And unlike what everyone thinks, I don't think they are very good players of spin. Kumble coming into the side would be great. With one good performance against them, he could be very useful for us in the long term.
This Indian team is the best we have ever sent to the World Cup. India has won two big games against Zimbabwe and England. To beat Zimbabwe in Harare is a tough ask and we did it in style -- I am proud of this team.
India's form guide
