Reverse Psychology

A motivational ploy of putting him in the middle order seems to have workedin stoking Virender Sehwag's appetite for runs, it was claimed by coach GregChappell in an interview.

"Viru was put in the middle order as a cover for Yuvraj Singh in casethe latter didn't return in time as well as to motivate him. Something hasworked," Chappell said after the dashing right-hander contributed46 in India's series-winning cause against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam onFebruary 17.

Sehwag, who has drawn much flak in the media over his poor form of late afterhaving failed to score a single century in the last 59 ODIs, opened the inningson Saturday and batted with characteristic flourish to re-ignite the almostdying hopes on his form and attitude.

The Delhi dasher was initially projected as a middle order batsman for theWorld Cup in the media by Chappell but the Australian now claims it was all a partof his plan to challenge Sehwag to reclaim his batting style.

Chappell indicated in no uncertain terms that Sehwag would now bat in any ofthe first three batting slots in the World Cup. Sehwag has batted in 134 of his167 one-day internationals as opener and seems set to resume the role.

As a reverse psychology, it also seems to have worked for Yuvraj who wasstruggling for fitness and form and made a handsome return to form with aninnings of 95 in the last game against Sri Lanka.

"Yuvraj can be a critical difference during the World Cup. When he is inform, he is one of the best in the business. We need batsmen who can make themost of the middle overs. Yuvi can help us do well in that area," saidChappell.

Chappell also spoke his mind on Irfan Pathan whose form and fitness isshrouded in mystery.

Sent back from South Africa in the middle of a tour in December last, Pathanhas only played one international and two first class matches in the first twomonths of the year and now appears an unknown and unproven prospect for theWorld Cup.

"Irfan is down on confidence, there is little doubt on it. Andthat's because he hasn't had much success recently. All he needs is an injectionof wickets," asserted Chappell who still feels the Baroda player in formgives the side much needed balance in both batting and bowling.

"Irfan has a role which, when in form, can give the side a criticalbalance. Irfan in form is of immense value. It's not his batting but bowlingwhich is in question. But all this would change when he is among wickets. But atthe moment he needs to be fit and then chances would come his way", hesaid.

The issues of Sehwag, Yuvraj and Pathan have generated much heat in cricketcircles in recent times but bigger scorn and ridicule has come the side's waybecause of injuries to key players.

"Frankly I am not concerned about injuries. There is always going to bea niggle but nothing is serious enough to get worried about," Chappellsaid.

Chappell claimed that couple of weeks in cricket can make critical differenceto a team's fortunes and cited the examples of India and Australia to back hiswords.

"We look far better than we did in South Africa and a lot of issues seemto have been answered. We still have some days to the World Cup and further progresswould be made. There are some domestic matches, practice ties and a couple ofgroup games in the World Cup which would provide us answers.

"Australia too was a huge favourite till a few weeks ago but now it'schanged. Injuries have played a part in it. So the way things have changed andshaped up, it would appear anyone can do well if they play well. Most of theteams are fairly well matched," he pointed out.

In Chappell's opinion, India has got as good a chance as anyone else in thebiggest competition in the game.

"There is no guarantee that any team would go on to win the World Cup. Ihave always believed that I would be happy if we make the semi-finals. From thenon, any of the four teams can win the World Cup."

Chappell admits fielding could be India's grey area and exhorts his batsmenand bowlers to make up for the deficiency in their respective areas in the WorldCup.

"As an Australian, I have strong views on fielding. But I wouldn'tignore reality. You need to review and I am prepared to do it for betterresults.

"But our batsmen would have to make extra runs and bowlers to concedeless runs to make up for an area where we might not be that good. Our battersand bowlers would have to be on top of their games. I sense that we would prettymuch have our batsmen in form by the time the competition starts," headded.

PTI