Selectors' Choice

Having got into the team only because of injury to captain Anil Kumble, Mishra's feat has put the Indian management into an enviable dilemma. Bowling with a shoulder injury in the first Test at Bangalore, Kumble went wicketless. After the Sydney Test early this year, the captain's form has dipped. In the eight subsequent Tests, he's taken 17 wickets at an average of over 61. He's conceded over 100 runs 10 times in the last 21 innings. Former Australian captain Ian Chappell says Dhoni should be retained as Test captain, and that "if he is fit, Kumble could well come in to the team as a bowler."

But Kumble couldn't have taken over 600 wickets without being the fighter he is—Sachin Tendulkar calls him the greatest bowler India has produced, and with good reason. Kumble has won India more Test matches than any other cricketer.

Before he pulled out of Mohali, Kumble had used his column to blast sensationalism and speculation in the media over his injury and retirement plans. After the Mohali Test, he wrote that he's "raring to get going at the Kotla, my favourite Test centre." Kumble's record at the Kotla ground is indeed remarkable—55 wickets at an average of 15.42 from six Tests. He's now keen to sign off there, in what's likely to be his last Test at the venue.

In that case, Mishra could have to sit out, unless a batsman is dropped instead from the XI. Sitting out is something he's not unaccustomed to. He has been on the fringes of the national team in 2002-03, before he broke into the national team at Mohali after a fine first-class season. If Kumble is fit for Delhi, Mishra's wait to find a permanent place may last longer.