Spinning allrounders can play a pivotal role : Baig

Abbas Ali Baig, who zoomed into the cricket arena with a century on debut for India, feels that the spinning allrounders - Yuvraj, Sehwag, Pathan & Bajji - can play a big role on the spinning tracks of India.

Come March and the subcontinental pitches will deteriorate under the blistering heat. This happens when Sun transits Aquarius and Pisces. The WC opens on Feb 19 and ends on Apr 2. On Apr 8 the IPL IV starts and ends on May 28. On May 29, the Rainy Season starts, the Kala Varsha, when the Sun transits the 15th degree of Taurus.

So the organisers have planned it meticulously, under the immense heat, which may be more than 40 degrees.

During this hot season, it is only natural that the subcontinental pitches aid spin and the team which have the maximum spinning allrounders - a fact proven by Sri Lanka - have bright chances of lifting the Cup.

Baig said that the spin allrounders compensate for the lack of firepower in the pace bowling department. India's strengths are a good batting line up and spin allrounders. Her weaknessess are lack of genuine fast bowling and sometimes fielding !

"Absolutely, they have a big role. There is Yusuf Pathan, who is a genuine all-rounder. There is Yuvraj (Singh), (Virender) Sehwag, and Harbhajan Singh, who has actually turned into a mature batsman.

"The lower order batsmen also have to chip in. The lower order batsmen have supported the frontline bastmen, which was not the case earlier. They certainly have a role to play in Indian conditions," said the dashing strokemaker.

"If you look at Indian bowling. It does not have the firepower like that of batting....except for Zaheer. It's not up to the mark and may not be able to deal with the situation," he said.

"But having said that. Anything can happen in cricket and anyone can rise to occasion."

"No doubt, batting is our main strength. We have enough firepower. On an unusual day, it may collapse. But it take us the whole way on Indian pitches.

"Our fielding has also improved. I think we are among the best in world with lot of youngsters in the side. On paper batting is our strength. So we will have to produce runs and save some on the field," said the veteran.

"I would have picked either Pragyan Ojha or Murali Kartik. One of them would have been an ideal choice in place of Piyush Chawla. I would also have gone for an extra stumper. Parthiv Patel is a good batsman and wicketkeeper," he averred.

He advised Dhoni to be fearless and calm.

"Until now he has been a relaxed captain and has maintained his cool demeanour. But certainly World Cup is different. He is clear and bold and have to size up the situation and take on the opposition. I think these traits will remain with him and he can come out (with flying colours)."

He disagreed with others, that the young Indian players will be under immense pressure, as they are devoid of WC experience. Others say that only the tried and tested can perform well in the World Cup.

"Virat (Kohli) has been doing well and I don't think he should feel pressure. Harbhajan is not the kind of guy, who will let pressure damage his performance.

"But yes, Yuvraj Singh need to silence his critics. His performance (in the recent past) has been under cloud".

"Play for fun and enjoy the game."