If the team management insists on sticking with Pathan, the axe is likely to fall on someone from the pace department. But it’s still complicated because Irfan’s bowling has been much inferior to Zaheer Khan, Munaf and Praveen’s. So, do they play an out-of-form bowler for his batting skills? Or do they go for a genuine paceman who may not bat so well? That’s never an easy decision.

With the selection such a complex problem, taking stock of the conditions will become important. The R Premadasa Stadium pitch, built on swampy land, has a reputation for being slow and arduous for batsmen.

Records show that chasing runs isn’t easy here, especially when slower bowlers are in operation. So, having a spinner at hand wouldn’t be a bad idea — which complicates matters further because it brings Pragyan Ojha into the equation. After his inspired selection in the second match of the five-game series, it remains to be seen if Dhoni’s instincts serve him well in the third one-dayer too.

Viru to prepare with Delhi

Meanwhile Virender Sehwag, who returned home on Wednesday after injuring his left ankle, is expected to return to full fitness in less than a fortnight and will be part of Delhi’s pre-season training to prepare for the Champions Trophy. According to reports, Sehwag has been given a rehabilitation programme by team physio Nitin Patel, who will be in touch with Delhi team’s physiotherapist.

The physio’s programme for Sehwag states that he is supposed to perform stretches for the hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus, hip flexors, lower back to ensure that they remain flexible and also maintain cardiovascular fitness by cycling. Interestingly, the team management’s demand for Yusuf Pathan as Sehwag’s replacement was shot down by the BCCI.