The new look VCA stadium in Nagpur is a gorgeous spectacle. It is more like a South African stadium than an ordinary Indian one of the eighties and nineties. The lush green outfield gives the batsman value for his shots or even more. The only issue is the square in the middle which seems to be numb in nature. Or is it that Indian bowling draws a picture of numbness for itself?

Which ever way you look at it, one thing is pretty clear on the eve of the second day of this five day afire. Now it is left with others. India’s numero uno status is solely resting on the crippled shoulders of its batsmen. The equation is pretty clear. That is to bat out till Tuesday evening if they want to entertain the hope of drawing this encounter. That they have to do it without the services of two of their seasoned warhorses puts the top and the middle order under intense stress.

The abundance of runs and the South African pacers do pose a twin threat on M/S Sewag, Gambhir and Tendulkar, primarily whom the Indians are pinning their hopes on. The history would suggest that these men have creditable back files to prove their credentials. But, the simple fact that they have to do it without Dravid and Laxman is a considerable twist from the so far episodes. A padded up Rahul Dravid in front of the dressing room is not just a presence. It is an image of confidence in the opener’s mindset. Needless to say about the wall in the middle of things.

Indian batting has never worn a sorry look like this in the recent past. On tours, a good ten years ago, we have seen the reserve wicket-keepers or pretended all-rounders forced to take up the burden of a specialist batsman. Though Wridhiman Saha has won his place in the squad with sheer wait of performances, he would be the first to admit that presently it is too big a shoe of VVS that he is sporting.

On the other hand Badarinath and Saha must be thanking their stars for the most coveted opportunity that came their way especially the former who has been the ‘Rahul Dravid’ of the domestic cricket for quite while now. It must be a heartening relief for the Tamilnadu batsman that the relentless three figure hits have at last been recognised.

Team India is on a real look out for yet another dream start. Or a couple of them wouldn’t harm their course of defending the number one spot.