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Originally Posted by IqbalJaved
My 16 Man squad:
Jaffer, Sehwag, Dravid, Kaif, Yuvraj, Raina, Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Pathan, Powar,
VRV Singh, Munaf Patel, Kumble, Sreesanth, Rp SIngh, Gambhir.
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You've got a good combination, except that if you're picking Dinesh Karthik with the expectation of loads of runs, you'll be disappointed. Munaf Patel is an under-rated batsman, and can come useful as a six-hitter to support the top seven batsmen. Harbhajan may be out of form, but he's still India's second-best bowler, and none of the pacers come close to him, even on supposedly bowler-friendly pitches. Then again, Powar is a good choice– pick a five-man attack of Irfan, Sree/VRV, Munaf, Kumble and Powar, and you will have more run-scoring options despite taking five bowlers. RP Singh is better as a one-day specialist than a Test extra. Another option is Pravin Kumar, who's been more effective than Munaf in the Ranji Trophy, with bat and ball, so he may make the side ahead of Munaf or VR Singh or Agarkar, especially in the forthcoming ODI's.
The starting lineup should have Sehwg and Gambhir opening, unless the pitch is dodgy, in which case Jaffer should open. Dravid, Tendulkar and Yuvraj in the middle-order will be enough, then Dhoni, then Irfan, Munaf and Powar. Irfan and Sreesanth can take the new ball, then Munaf comes in first-change, then Kumble and Powar. Irfan can use the movement through the air, while Sreesanth can attack the batsmen and push them back. Munaf can hold a line and length for some time. Kumble and Powar will be an interesting pair to watch. Ultimately, even if the management take a step backwards and play six batsmen, the top three will have to score heavily, but they will still struggle to take 20 wickets between four bowlers. That is why the bottom five should also be involved in batting.