A winning streak for teams generally mean a prolonged stint on the bench for the reserve players. And with India remaining unbeaten in the last six ODI series, players like Abhishek Nayar, Amit Mishra and Praveen Kumar will arrive for the Champions Trophy with no or minimal recent exposure.

The team management, though, is making sure the entire squad of 15 is in shape for any eventuality. Nayar, yet to face a ball or mark his run-up for India despite playing two away series, speaks about being on their toes even on the bench. “You need to be ready for any situation; no one knows when he will get his break. We don’t know how long we will play but when we are with the team we need to make the best use of it. We shouldn’t be found wanting when we are drafted in the playing XI,” stressed Nayar.

The 25-year-old Mumbai all-rounder is hopeful of taking his chance, if it comes, at the Champions Trophy. As are Mishra and Praveen who, like Nayar, had a memorable IPL stint in South Africa.

The IPL was responsible for Mishra getting an ODI call-up, but with Harbhajan Singh on a roll, the leggie didn’t get to play during the tri-series in Sri Lanka. “It’s a great feeling to be part of the Indian squad. I played my last ODI six years back and am waiting for my next opportunity,” says Mishra.

But the leggie isn’t taking it easy. Throughout the Lanka tour, he was busy refining his art. “I know how tough it is to get a place in the Indian side, so I’m trying different things. Lately, I am learning to bowl the carrom ball, which is tough as you need really strong fingers,” he says.

... contd.