| Player: | D Mongia |
DateLine: 19th February 2007
He has been in and out of the one day squad “ he has yet to play a Test match “ but there are indications that Dinesh Mongia is now being considered for a regular spot in the middle order. Not especially graceful as most left-handers are Mongia is an exceptionally skilful and pugnacious player who can be relied upon to give the scoring rate a fillip or star in a rescue act. His defence is sound and he has a wide array of strokes. He first attracted attention when he hammered an unbeaten 159 to star in Indias victory over Zimbabwe in the series decider at Guwahati in 2001-02. He opened the innings on that occasion but Mongis place was clearly in the middle order. Thereafter he has had to vie for a place in the crowded middle order but forcing his way back into the squad for the 2003 World Cup he did reasonably well in limited opportunities. When suspicions were raised as to whether he had the technique to come good abroad, Mongia paraded his skills around the county circuit playing fairly successfully for Lancashire and Leicestershire. His slow left arm bowling and reliable fielding are further assets. A first class career average of 50 with a triple hundred mark him out as one to be persevered with.