A toss up between Reetinder and Nehra

HARARE, JUNE 23. Reetinder Singh Sodhi or Ashish Nehra? The team management appeared divided on the final eleven for India's match against Zimbabwe in the triangular series here on Sunday.

Nehra should make the eleven if he recovers from the stiff neck that has bothered him the last two days. Sachin Tendulkar has recovered from the minor thigh pain and the team management was particularly delighted with the form of Virender Sehwag, who destroyed Zimbabwe `A' with a flurry of strokes on Friday.

For Sourav Ganguly, it will be a critical match. His awful run in Test matches has put the Indian skipper under pressure to score and he is quite aware of the fact that he needs to lead from the front. Limited-overs cricket has been Ganguly's forte and it is time he scored a few runs.

It is also time for Ajit Agarkar to justify his place in the team. One odd good series is not what is expected of a cricketer projected as an all-rounder. Backed quite generously by the National selectors, this Mumbai cricketer has been extremely lucky in not having to prove his credentials in domestic cricket when returning to the national team from injury-related omissions.

There are plenty of youngsters on the circuit wanting to break into the team. This triangular has provided the platform for some to showcase their talent. The competition for places has begun and it should be a motivating factor for the team to taking home the honours.

The Indians are likely to omit Dinesh Mongia, Debasis Mohanty and Harvinder Singh. The last slot should go to Nehra, provided he is fit.

- Our Special Correspondent

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