Options in Mohali

Mahi has always struck it lucky with his strategies, the latest master strokes being his handling of Ashwin, keeping him under wraps till the crucial final games, and getting the finisher Raina in place of the hard hitting Yusuf Pathan in the match against Australia. Both have worked brilliantly in his favour...

So what awaits us in Mohali?

Mohali is expected to be a pacer's delight, which will suit India well, because it neutralizes Shahid Afridi, who has been the only real threat from the Pakis in the run up to the semis. Shoaib is a spent force, and playing him against India will most likely help the Indians milk him like they have done in the past. Umar Gul and Abdur Razzaq are good, but not likely to hurt the Indians too much. On Dhoni's part, I think Sreesanth will get a look in, fresh from being on the bench all this while. He might replace Munaf, or in extreme situations, might also end up playing instead of Ashwin, with Zaheer, Munaf, Harbhajan and Yuvraj completing the line up, and Sachin rolling his arms over for the part timer. Yusuf might just get a look in too, adding both an extra bowling option, and hard hitting against Shahid and the quickies.

I would definitely bat first, set up a massive total, and put in the Pakis to bat under pressure. Chasing any score, especially with an unfortunate couple of early dismissals, will really put the Indians on the boil, although they are likely to come out unscathed.