The conundrum regarding who will open the batting for India grows more confusing by the day. Less than 48 hours before the second Test at Port Elizabeth begins, the Indian think-tank was still struggling to come up with a partner for SS Das. Sourav Ganguly and Deep Dasgupta became the latest names to join the fray, as yesterday's favourites, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, were almost ruled out.

Ganguly's name cropped up in several reports from South Africa, while a Kolkata newspaper stated that Dasgupta might be offered as the sacrificial lamb. Barring Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and untried specialist opener Connor Williams, all the batsmen as well as the wicketkeeper have now been considered for this slot.

Ganguly has looked woefully inadequate against the short delivery, while rookie wicketkeeper Dasgupta played in the first Test only because Sameer Dighe pulled at the eleventh hour with a back injury. That their names have even been touted for this crucial slot is ample indication of the growing desperation in the Indian ranks.

Dravid is technically best equipped, but seems far from comfortable in the position. His seven innings at the top have fetched only 104 runs, and being part of the management, he will probably have a say in where he bats.

Laxman's stint as an opener wasn't too successful either - an average of 28.61 in 23 innings - and he has repeatedly stated to the selectors that he should be considered only for a middle-order slot.

Meanwhile, Ganguly has struggled to get runs even at No. 5. But, with Dravid apparently unwilling to take up the challenge, there aren't too many options left for Ganguly. The team hasn't done well lately and he himself hasn't been among the runs - a go at the top would be a desperate attempt to get things right.

The opening combination isn't the only problem confronting the team. The management hasn't been able to agree on the bowling line-up either. Wright favours the inclusion of both Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, while Ganguly is reported to be inclined towards adding a third seamer at the expense of Kumble.

Kumble was not incisive at Bloemfontein; he took three wickets in 50 overs in the first innings but was at least able to check the runs – only 132 were scored off him. Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra, by contrast, had combined figures of two for 219 in 46 overs.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd