Can Shikhar Dhawan put a foot wrong? He is the shining star of the current ICC Champions Trophy. Whatever he touches turns to gold, and more importantly, runs.
He was lucky in his innings against Sri Lanka as he was dropped three times during his breezy innings of 68 (off 92 balls, hitting six fours and a six) on Thursday. But this was on a seamy, spinning, spiteful pitch on which Sri Lanka, a strong batting side, could make only 8/181 in 50 overs.
In four Champions Trophy 2013 matches, Dhawan has scored 332 runs, with an amazing average of 110.66 at a strike rate of 99.40. No one else has touched 300, with Sri Lanka’s master bat Kumar Sangakkara next on the list with 222 runs at 74.00.
England, beware in the final on Sunday!
This is how the Indian moustached-marauder has gone in this tournament: 114 against South Africa, 102 not out against the West Indies, 48 versus Pakistan and now 68 against Sri Lanka. Not even the crowd invaders could disturb his sublime concentration in the semi-final.
Only two batsmen have scored centuries in this Champions Trophy, and Dhawan has hit two. Sangakkara has the top score with an unbeaten 134. Dhawan has smashed 33 fours and three sixes the tournament. No one else has hit 22 fours so far.
It is not just the runs and fours that have put Dhawan so high in my estimations. Remember the magnificent 187 in the Mohali Test, his debut, against Australia in March? It was a masterly innings.
His footwork is near perfect. So is his temperament. When he is dropped, he just smiles and carries on regardless. He is one for the future.
If India wins tomorrow it would be her second most memorable moment in England in three decades ago. In 1983, the little-fancied Indians under Kapil Dev surprised the reigning World Cup champions, the West Indies, in the famous final at Lord’s on 24th June.
Will history repeat itself, as India take on Alastair Cook’s Englishmen on 23rd June, almost 30 years to the day?
England has James Anderson, perhaps the best fast bowler in the tournament. But then India has Ravindra Jadeja, the best spinner. He is the only one to take a five-for (5/36 against the Windies last week). Here are their almost parallel figures for this tournament so far:
Both have taken 10 wickets, Anderson at an average of 12.7 with an economy rate of 3.84 (best figures 3 for 30), with Jadeja averaging 13 with an economy rate of 3.51. Both bowled superbly in their semi-finals.
Watching Jadeja spinning the ball against Sri Lanka on Thursday was like going back to the Shane Warne days, although this may be slightly hyperbolising; no one can match Warney.
Apart from Dhawan, his opening partner Rohit Sharma has been scoring consistently. And there is Virat Kohli as a spectacular middle order batsman and Suresh Raina as an acrobatic fielder and slipper.
In MS Dhoni they have an inspiring leader who can ‘keep, bat, and even bowl. Move over, Sir Garry? Another hyperbole?
The new India also excels in the field, something quite novel in their cricketing history.
Cricket is a funny game but I predict India to win, unless Dhawan’s stroke play and luck dries up.
And a defeat for England before the Ashes is precisely what the Australian team would be praying for.
Kersi Meher-Homji
Guest
A grand slam for India. Won CT 13 Man of the match: Jadeja Man of the Tournament: Dhawan Golden bat: Dhawan Golden ball: Jadeja. India was the only undefeated team in CT 13. Bravo, skipper Dhoni.
Kersi Meher-Homji
Guest
The final was a thriller and the better team throughout the CT13 won. But not by much. England fought all the way. Frankie, it makes no difference to the Ashes. England are still the favourites.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
Super India put the pathetic Poms in their place!!! That little Urn will be in Pup's hands. No doubts at all.
Kersi Meher-Homji
Guest
So it will be a T20 hit-and-run. India has more experience in this type of cricket. But batting first is a big disadvantage. It's a Final but not a finale.
david kenny
Roar Rookie
Who's proclaiming an easy win for England....? Most of the discussion suggest an India win, even more so now that it's going to be a shortened game,,
Chris Howart
Guest
Well, it seems like the CT13 is currently headed towards that.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
All ways nice to see the Poms readying themselves for their self proclaimed coronation and it doesn't happen for them Not sure why the trophy should be shared The Indians are undefeated, so should be champions.
Kersi Meher-Homji
Guest
How frustrating, all dressed up and nowhere to go! And so disappointing that there is no extra day for a Final. In a previous CT Final, India and Sri Lanka had to share the Trophy as well due to bad weather. Learning from this, ICC should have kept an extra day for the Final.
Swerve
Guest
Frankie, how long have you been watching cricket? You sound like a flip mate.
nickyc
Guest
England have won the toss and put India in to bat in what is likely to be a rain interrupted day. Get your Duckworth/Lewis tables ready!
Frankie Hughes
Guest
Stuart Broad, the cannon fodder ladyboy? The only reason the Ashes are starting at Trent Bridge is because England can prepare a doctored greentop for their medium paced dobbers.
Swerve
Guest
Wow Frankie. You are a wordsmith I'll give you that.
Disco
Roar Guru
That's won the argument.
Disco
Roar Guru
New Zealand who beat your 'troops' the last time the two sides played a Test. Your comments are based almost solely on nationalistic hysteria.
Tim
Guest
there are so many 'if, buts, and maybes' about this Aussie Team which always leads to carnage in real Cricket
MervUK
Guest
I agree Tim, it does feel like the India series in 2011....especially with Trent bridge as the first test, if broad plays well and gets on a roll, with Anderson in his current form it could be a rout
Kersi Meher-Homji
Guest
Frankie Hughes, You may think that "England are crap. Full stop." But that is not what India's captain MS Dhoni opines. To quote him: “I think they (England) are a very good side, like each and every side when it comes to the Champions Trophy, which means all of them are strong enough to beat anyone on that particular day and win the Trophy,” Dhoni said. “England are a very good side. We have played (against them) quite often in the last couple of years so we know the same amount about them and they know the same about us,” added Dhoni, whose side have won eight of their last 10 one-dayers against England, albeit all those matches were in India. The Final will be a match worth staying up all night.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
England are crap. Full stop.
Tim
Guest
Seeing you're banging on about South Africa like a real drongo Frankie- how did Australia go against them in Australia?- I believe they lost.........Then seeing they were back to back series- how did England and Australia go against india in India? England won 2/1 whereas Australia lost 4 nil So lets talk about that seeing it is most recent Ummm England just beat the kiwis 2 nil- how did Australia go against NZ in Australia? Drew 1 all
Frankie Hughes
Guest
Close to beating the South Africans? Who you kidding? Smith's troops exposed England as the overrated crap side they are. Hell you Poms couldn't even win in New Zealand... And only got the better of the Kiwis in England due to doctored greentops