The second warm up game for the Indians touring Zimbabwe, played against the CFX Academy side, was heartwarming and at the same time set off some alarm bells at the back of the mind. Playing against an inexperienced side, the Indians showcased their batting might to perfection. Shiv Sunder Das (110 retired), VVS Laxman (100 retired), Hemang Badani (112 not out) all notched up tons and had an opportunity to spend time out in the middle in Zimbabwean conditions. Sourav Ganguly retired after making a half century, suggesting that he too was comfortable out in the middle. It must be remembered that he did not have a particularly memorable run with the bat in the three Test series against Australia that concluded recently.

However, all this is not source for any worry. If anything, it bodes extremely well for the touring side. But a look at the batting order in the second innings is cause for minor concern. Opening the innings with Sadagoppan Ramesh was statemate Badani, another southpaw. Having done well in the first innings, Badani is seen by some as a prospective candidate for higher honours. However, with Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and Rahul Dravid forming the middle order there really is no place for Badani in the playing XI. Unless of course, he replaces Ramesh at the top of the order.

Although it might be premature to speculate on the possibility of Badani being asked to fill in as a makeshift opener, the rumblings have already begun in Zimbabwe. Ramesh, looked upon as the dashing and even reckless half of India's opening partnership 'needs to prove himself' says a report. Ramesh's scores of 42 and 52 (retired) in the second warm up game have not inspired enough confidence it seems.

Although there is enough truth in the statement that Ramesh does have a somewhat cavalier approach to opening the innings, often chasing at balls that are best left alone, it would be a touch unfair to suggest that he has failed at the highest level. In the 15 Tests and 29 innings that Ramesh has played, he averages a healthy 40.17 and has notched up a score of 50 or more almost once in three Tests. What has given detractors fuel for fire is a recent lack of consistency in Ramesh's batting. The last eight innings in Test cricket have yielded scores of 13, 0, 48, 2, 44, 0, 30, 61 and 25.

Through the recently concluded Australia tour of India, there were cries from all quarters to replace Ramesh. However, coach John Wright backed Ramesh to the end. The focus however seems to be a bit different on an away tour for India. In recent interviews, Wright, a left handed opening batsman himself, has stressed the need for a solid opening partnership.

"We need a bit of consistency in the opening position. I would be very happy if we could go to lunch with only one or two down in the first session," he said, speaking to the Press Trust of India. "Just get through the first session and see the new ball off and we have got the middle order to take advantage of that situation," added Wright.

It goes without saying that Das is seen as the calming influence and the more solid of the two openers. Ramesh himself is not one to run away from things. "We start with the basic advantage of a right and a left-handed opening pair. There is another advantage which comes with our batting techniques. While Das is defensive, I tend to go for my shots. It doesn't allow bowlers to settle down," said Ramesh.

In recent times however, India have experimented unsuccessfully with makeshift openers on more than one occasion. The last time India were in Zimbabwe, in 1998-99 stumper Nayan Mongia was asked to open the innings. As it happened Mongia made 1 and 0 as India slumped to a 61- run loss in the one-off Test match. Another foreign tour and another scapegoat was found going back to India's disastrous tour of Australia in 1999-2000. MSK Prasad, sent in at the top of the order in the Sydney Test scored 3 and 5. It must not be forgotten that VVS Laxman opened in four Tests during the tour of the West Indies in 1997 when India lost the series 0-1, failing to get 120 in the famous game at Barbados. Fortunately, wisdom has prevailed in the end and Laxman is now firmly ensconced in his rightful position in the middle order.

Yet another foreign tour has come about and the rumours have started once more. If they remain rumours for the duration of the tour, India would have done right by two talented left handed cricketers one opener and one middle order bat.

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