World Cup 2015: India To Test Bench Strength Against UAE

In a World Cup, it's imperative that each member of the 15-member squad gets enough match practice before the business end. And that's why director of cricket Ravi Shastri, captain MS Dhoni and the other members of the Indian think-tank ought to sit down and formulate a rotation policy. The Aussies call it 'informed player management' or 'professional workload management'.

It's not that complicated, really. All India have to do is chalk out a simple plan to ensure Ambati Rayudu, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Stuart Binny and Axar Patel get some match practice ahead of the knockouts.
And a beautiful opportunity will present itself when the Men in Blue take on the United Arab Emirates at the WACA here on Saturday.

High on confidence and occupying the top spot in the Group 'B' points table, India have no reason to rack their brains over fielding a full-strength side against the oil-rich Gulf kingdom even though they ran Ireland close in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Let's look at the bowling department first.

Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja combined well to help India register convincing wins against Pakistan and South Africa. Shami has looked the best of the lot. The Bengal pacer, who ironed out his flaws with the help of Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, picked up 6/65 (17 overs) from two games. Is it necessary to play him in the 40-degree Celsius heat of Perth on Saturday? Wouldn't he be better off taking some more rest and returning against Chris Gayle & Co. on March 6?

Actually, it's not about Shami. He is fit and raring to go anyway. It's about the man who could replace him. There has been a question mark over the fitness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However, the team management has maintained all along that every member of the squad is available for selection. Maybe they aren't lying. After all, Kumar bowled and batted without any trouble in the days leading up to the Pakistan and South Africa fixtures. So, playing him against the UAE will give the team enough idea about his readiness.

There's a case for Stuart Binny too. The Karnataka all-rounder has looked diligent at every practice session. In fact, he told dna in a casual chat on Thursday that "I am hoping to play (sometime during the tournament)." For all that talk about the WACA having slowed down over the years, it can be safely said that it's livelier than the liveliest Indian pitch.

Remember how Steven Finn & Co. wreaked havoc in a must-win match against India last month? Binny, too, picked up three wickets in that low-scoring encounter. The 30-year-old will be expected to play a crucial role in New Zealand, where India are set to play at least two games. Another factor that works in his favour that he is a better batsman than Jadeja, who has often looked clueless with a willow in hand. Yes, Jadeja is a game-changer with his reliable left-arm spin and electric fielding, but what if his left shoulder acts up during the tournament? You don't want Binny or, for that matter, Patel to get a sudden wake-up call.

The batting department doesn't need tinkering at all. The in-form Rohit Sharma was run out against South Africa. He will be desperate for a biggie against the UAE. Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina are in good nick and none would be willing to make way for Ambati Rayudu. Apart from Jadeja, the other batsman yet to find his range is the skipper. Also, India haven't chased yet.