Mumbai: Most members of the India team chose to rest on Tuesday ahead of their World Twenty20 semifinal against the West Indies here on Thursday. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men were supposed to practice at Wankhede Stadium in the afternoon but had a change of heart.
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Considering the struggles of top-order batsmen Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina throughout the tournament, they were expected to bat a bit in the nets to get their confidence back. The team are already sweating over the fitness of Yuvraj Singh who twisted his ankle against Australia on Sunday and is doubtful for the semifinal.
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Karnataka batsman Manish Pandey who has been called up as cover for Yuvraj though, practised in the evening with local boy Ajinkya Rahane and batting coach Sanjay Bangar at the nearby Brabourne Stadium. The duo batted in separate nets, facing local bowlers and taking throw downs to get into the groove. Rahane has been warming the bench from the first day and is in contention along with Pandey to replace Yuvraj who has undergone an MRI test of his twisted ankle and will have to prove his fitness before the game.
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Sharma, Dhawan and Raina though may like batting on the Wankhede track which has produced runs in plenty and it is likely to do the same on Thursday unless it changes drastically. South Africa scored 438 runs in the last ODI here to outplay India. It invited a feud between India team director Ravi Shastri and Wankhede curator Sudhir Naik. All the three Group 1 games here have been high scoring ones.
According to sources, the pitch will remain dry as it might be watered only on Wednesday morning and remain exposed to the sun for two days. Spinners will have to bowl well to get assistance from the wicket. There will also be bounce on offer for bowlers. Dew as a factor can also come into play as it did in the first game when the West Indies chased down England’s 182 with ease. The dew usually comes down around 8.30 pm and though a chemical mix will be used to minimise its effect but it can assist the chase as the game starts at 7 pm.
Batting second has been the best bet here and will remain so.
