Dhoni pledges to do well
Thursday, 6 November 2008
NAGPUR, Nov 5 (AP): Mahendra Singh Dhoni's biggest challenge in his first Test as India's captain-elect is how to hold off Australia while series-leading batsman Gautam Gambhir is banned and on the sidelines.
After standing in as captain for injured Anil Kumble in the 320-run win in the second test at Mohali, Dhoni will take charge in his own right for the fourth and final Test of the series Thursday after the veteran legspinner retired following last week's drawn third match at New Delhi.
Having guided India to a 1-0 series lead, Dhoni must now defend it for the hosts to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. And he'll have to do that without the inform batsman of the series.
Gambhir was suspended for one match after elbowing Australian Shane Watson during the third Test, but India appealed the verdict in the hope the left-hander could play at Nagpur. International Cricket Council-appointed appeal arbiter Albie Sachs of South Africa upheld the original judgment against Gambhir, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India refused to accept the decision and has protested to the sport's governing body.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he would face an "awkward situation" at Thursday's toss if Gambhir was named to play, but Dhoni said he was "almost sure" the left-hander would miss the match.
The rookie Murali Vijay, a 24-year-old right-hander from Tamil Nadu, has come into the India squad and is expected to open, although Dhoni said Rahul Dravid may also be considered as Virender Sehwag's partner.
After standing in as captain for injured Anil Kumble in the 320-run win in the second test at Mohali, Dhoni will take charge in his own right for the fourth and final Test of the series Thursday after the veteran legspinner retired following last week's drawn third match at New Delhi.
Having guided India to a 1-0 series lead, Dhoni must now defend it for the hosts to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. And he'll have to do that without the inform batsman of the series.
Gambhir was suspended for one match after elbowing Australian Shane Watson during the third Test, but India appealed the verdict in the hope the left-hander could play at Nagpur. International Cricket Council-appointed appeal arbiter Albie Sachs of South Africa upheld the original judgment against Gambhir, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India refused to accept the decision and has protested to the sport's governing body.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he would face an "awkward situation" at Thursday's toss if Gambhir was named to play, but Dhoni said he was "almost sure" the left-hander would miss the match.
The rookie Murali Vijay, a 24-year-old right-hander from Tamil Nadu, has come into the India squad and is expected to open, although Dhoni said Rahul Dravid may also be considered as Virender Sehwag's partner.