The BIG encounter - India v South Africa 5th ODI

After the challenging and hard fought test series ended at 1-1, much like the one in India last year, the ODI series is also locked at 2-2 with just one game to go.

This match is BIG in more ways than one. Here are the reasons:-

1. Feel good factor - Ever since I have followed Indian cricket closely, I have seen, Indians have just need a couple of reassuring wins and suddenly the feeling of being real good kicks in and confidence flows through. To help you understand my point, let me give you an example. About an year back, all youngsters which are Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina were failing consistently. Technique and temperament of these young lads were being questioned and it was established that India's future after the big three(Dravid, Sachin and Laxman) is doomed. All we Indians needed were a couple of good knocks by Raina on flat Lankan roads and one good knock from a really special youngster Cheteshwar Pujara. By then, Virat Kohli had played a few good innings in ODIs as well. Now it suddenly became obvious that India's future was safe and sound. On similar grounds, tomorrow's match being the last before the WC and also being the decider of the series, will be essential.

2. Decision over the number seven spot - Yes, this debate is still on. The question is, picking two of Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj Singh and Raina. I believe Yusuf is confidence player and since he has done well recently, so I would not want to lower the confidence down by asking him to sit on the bench. Both Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh haven't had the best of times in 2010. Yuvraj has averaged 30(SR:68) in 14 matches while Raina scores at 28(SR:93) in 23 matches. You would think Raina has the upper hand. But, then you add the fact that Yuvraj provides variety to our group of part-timers and has picked 10 wickets last year at 32 a piece. This really changes the equation. Yuvraj Singh suddenly looks a better option now. I have already stated the starting XI I feel will be the best for India, you may find it here.
This game could help in deciding this much talked about position. If suppose, Raina plays a superb knock, while Yuvraj fails, there might be a possibility that Pathan may get dropped. On the other hand, a big knock by Pathan or Yuvraj and it might be curtains for Raina. In case, both Raina and Yusuf do well, Yuvraj's place might be in trouble. Hence, this is a pressure game for all three of these.

3. Historic series win - Lastly and most importantly, India have a chance of winning the an ODI series against Saffers in SA for the very first time. History reckons India, and we will have to wait and see if they step up on this pivotal occasion. Apart from the extremely special feeling that India(and Indians) will get from a win, it will also send a message to various other countries like England, who are hoping to establish world supremacy. Not to forget, it will totally shake up the Saffer camp.

Follow me on twitter here.

Follow updates from this blog on facebook here.