4th ODI: Pace may hold the key

DHARAMSALA: Indian pacers Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami were seen together, having a close look at the pitch of the HPCA cricket stadium just before the start of the team's practice session on Thursday. The greenish-tinge on the pitch surely gave them even encouragement as the duo went into the nets with a glint in the eyes and they bowled with a lot of fire.
Shami's deliveries zipped through while Umesh got considerable lift even from the practice wickets, which boasted of more covering of grass.Giving them advice during the nets session was Ravi Shastri. As the team's 'director of cricket' watched keenly, the batsmen were treated to some searing stuff by the Umesh-Shami combine on the eve of the fourth ODI against the West Indies.
Virat Kohli, who looked to have regained some of his vintage touch at the Kotla ODI, looked to be the most comfortable on what he labeled a 'different Indian wicket'. "It is a different kind of wicket, we should keep that in mind," he said. "We are expecting a fast and bouncy pitch. It will be good for both the batsmen and bowlers to play on a fast wicket. There are runs to be had if one plays the correct shots and the pacers will definitely enjoy bowling on this wicket," Virat said when asked to comment on the Dharamsala wicket.
An uncharacteristic and extended slump in form during the England tour has probably made Virat realize that the sport is a great leveler. However, the Delhi dasher has gained something crucial from his last innings (a watchful 62) ­ confidence, which was missing from his game in recent times. Virat now wants to get back to his prolific run-scoring ways.
"I choose not to let that (absence of form) affect me. This phase of not scor ing runs was difficult for me and I had to work really hard to get over it. At least now, having scored a few runs in the last game, I am feeling confident mentally and looking forward to scoring more runs and contributing meaningfully to the team's cause," Virat reflected.
Besides Virat, the openers ­ Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane ­ will play a big role if India are to get a positive result here.