Rahane omission came as surprise, says Ganguly ›

An early start in Mohali would mean the ball will swing and seam... Rohit and Shikhar have to play out the phase. SOURAV GANGULY, On the openers

MOHALI: The Indian team arrived here on Monday, carrying a burden of expectations. If the weather and conditions are anything to go by, then the home batsmen are up for a challenge again as seamers may again play an important role in the second ODI at Mohali.

India are already 1-0 down and they need to win this match to stay alive in this 3-match series.

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is confident of an India comeback. “You see,” Ganguly told Hindustan Times over phone, “whatever happened in Dharamsala was an aberration and we all know the capability of these batsmen. What is worrying me though, is, are India playing the best team? I know it will seam in Mohali too -- since it’s an 11.30am start -- and India must play Ajinkya Rahane at No 3. He should have played in Dharamsala too because he has the ability to play in such conditions. So, I am a little curious to know why he didn’t play.”

India were reeling at 29-7 before Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kuldeep Yadav took them to 112. That proved too little in the end. After the game, stand-in captain Rohit Sharma said the management has earmarked Rahane for the opener’s slot.

But Ganguly differed. “There isn’t much difference in the jobs of Nos 1-3 in ODIS. So, going by the conditions in Dharamsala and Mohali, it is imperative Rahane plays at No 3. In fact, to my mind, both Rahane and KL Rahul (not in the squad) should be playing more and more ODIS. When Virat comes back at No 3, there will still be slots at Nos 4 and 5 (with Dhoni at No 6) and if you are looking at the World Cup 2019, I would want the selectors and team management to back Rahane and Rahul. They have proved themselves in the past and I think they will make the middle-order more productive.”

India have been searching for consistency in the middle order and on days the top order hasn’t given India a good start, the team has struggled. Ganguly feels Virat’s absence can bring opportunities to others.