So, what's new?(-worma)

First, here's the new squad for the last 2 matches.

Second, a question for you all. Does building bench strength mean building a pool of only 15 players? If not, then doesn't it mean that the process would involve shunting players from that 'current utilization' pool of 15 to make way for new? Then, what is the hue and cry over 'dropping' Rao and JP, as I could see in the squad related discussions already happening here.

Even cricinfo has this opinion, in its article about the new squad:

The omission of Rao and Yadav is surprising from a few angles but More, as well and Greg Chappell and Rahul Dravid earlier, insisted that they are trying to try out as many players as possible. However, as Ganguly has found out recently, both may find it tough to get back into the side if the replacements strike gold.

Well, atleast I don't see this as the end of the road for Rao and JP. Neither do I think they have been 'dropped' as non-performers. But, ofcourse, we can wait and see.

But more about the ones picked up. Kaif was anyway a surety. VRV is the surprise inclusion. And a welcome surprise, no doubt. With Santh already in the fast-ish category, and even RP bowling around 140 kph mark, its exciting to think we may have a battery of quicks to choose from, in the near future (yes..yes..I'm aware they can go the Zak way..and slow down due to various reasons..but one can still wish...no?)

But about VRV himself, it was probably not a good idea to mention him as an allrounder, as done in the rediff report linked above. Here are his first class stats for this season. Clearly that of a bowler who can bat. And calling him an allrounder may again raise expectations. Unless thats what the team management see in him (and yes, he has indeed been chosen in place of JP, so who knows!).

But more about his primary skill i.e. Bowling. Fast. Here's a wonderful profile by Siddhartha Vaidyanathan, done some time back on cricinfo.

Put Parthiv Patel's face on Zaheer Khan's body, add a couple of more inches in height, lengthen the run-up by a few yards, run in with a rhythmic action that gathers momentum with every step - hands moving like efficient pistons - deliver with an open-chested action and let out a mighty groan when the ball whizzes past the batsman's shoulder and you have done a perfect imitation of VRV's routine.