experimentation

In this whole experimentation gig, I think the two names that were left out of consideration are Ajit Agarkar and Ramesh Powar. Irfan Pathan and Dhoni have been sent up the order, Dravid has opened, Sehwag has been shuffled around. It seems to me only fair that Ajit and Ramesh should have been given a go.
Many of you may not be aware that Ajit started his Cricketing life as a batsman and till college cricket, was a pure batsman. In fact, in the Mumbai cricketing circles he was counted as a very real batting prospect for India. I still remember when and how Ajit started bowling seriously. It was during one rainy season (I think in ’93 or ’94) when we were practicing on the road through Shivaji Park with a rubber ball. One day it so happened that Ajit turned his arm around and figured that he was a natural fast bowler with a whippy action and faster than the fastest college bowler. Once the rains abated, he started bowling regularly in the nets with a season ball and soon we all found that he was one of the best fast bowlers around. Initially he used to bowl with a two step run-up. Just a couple of steps and WHIP. But in due time, he lengthened his run-up too. Of course, with so much of his focus now on fast bowling, his batting suffered a bit. However, he has always played for Mumbai as a genuine all rounder. Ajit has, of late been in good bowling form and it often happens that confidence in one aspect of the game tends to rub off on the other aspects of ones game. The one-day series in West Indies where he was bowling so well would probably have been a good opportunity to try him at the top of the innings.
Ramesh Powar is another name that comes to mind immediately. He is an explosive batsman very much in the Sehwag mould. I have played with him quite a number of times and have great respect for his natural talent. I mean, if someone with his physique can play for India, you can be sure that he is one talented bloke. Personally, I would have liked to see him higher up the order in a few games.