Ever since Mohammed Kaif, playing as the seventh batsman, won the memorable NatWest Trophy final for India against England more than a year ago, the team management has preferred to pack the side with batsmen at the expense of a specialist wicket-keeper. The experiment has mostly worked, but against Australia it comes unstuck in spectacular fashion as happened in the World Cup 2003 final in Johannesburg, and again in Bangalore on Wednesday during the TVS Cup Tri-series.
Should India continue to pack the side with batting strength at the expense of bowling and wicket-keeping ability? What would you suggest if you were part of the team management?
