BCCI Corporate Trophy was not a big tournament, but as it was a tournament of Board of Cricket Control in India so almost all the major players of Team India participated in it. Despite of the fact that Team is going to play for a Triangular series in Sri Lanka, the dates are so well managed by the BCCI that they need to request Sri Lankan Cricket Board to shift the program of the triangular series for one day, so that Indian players will be able to play in the BCCI Corporate Trophy.

Those who don’t remember the past incident, let me remind them, that just before the ICC Twenty-20 World Cup, almost all the major players of Team India participated in the Indian Premiere League in South Africa, and the tight schedule there caused injury to the dashing opener Virender Sehwag and he won’t be able to join the team in the World Cup. The effect was clearly seen by every one. Team India got out from the tournament so badly.

Almost the same type of incident happened this time too, it is the in form opener Gautam Gambhir who got the groin injury in BCCI Corporate Trophy and out for 10 days (at least). It will surely bring pressure on the team, while a defeat in the tournament can show them the door. At this time the unavailability of the regular opener will surely bring pressure on the middle order. Now the concern is who is going to open the innings with Sachin?

The middle order of the team India is strong enough, but if the opening pair will fail then it will surely bring immense pressure on the middle order. We do need to remember that Rahul Dravid is going to bat at the number three position after a gap of around two years, and such kind of pressure can derail our Mr. Wall too. Although BCCI sent Virat Kohli to join the team in place of Gautam Gambhir, but still we need to wait and watch the results of the todays match. One more thing Kohli was too met with a shoulder injury recently, but he played in the BCCI Corporate Trophy.

Also watch the Match preview of the second ODI of the Compaq Cup 2009 by Clicking Here.