Our boys are fit and raring to go

So, we are going to 'target' Virender Sehwag with short balls and bouncers. I was interested to hear and read that our 'new' tactic, which I announced on Tuesday, was interpreted as a criticism of Viru. It is hardly rocket science that he has struggled in the past with deliveries which have cramped him for room and been directed in the region of the neck. Not many batsmen actually enjoy that sort of delivery.

Rather than it being a criticism of Viru, why didn't people feel inclined to criticise our bowling attack? After all, if we believed he was susceptible there, why didn't we attack more often in that fashion in Chennai? I was convinced that because of the slow and flat nature of the Chepauk pitch we should concentrate on trying to bowl in the 'Indian way' which is fuller in length with a view to attaining some swing.

Hindsight, as we all know, is a perfect science – but looking back now, I think I should have suggested that we adopt a couple of periods of South African-style attack against him. Still, nobody knew he was going to score 319 so nobody should be blamed for being patient. I still maintain that our bowlers did a good job on the day Viru scored 259!

It makes no difference if an opposition batsman scores 10 or 300 against you, it is still the duty of the coaching staff, with the aid of our excellent technology, to analyse that player's performance with a view to dismissing him even more cheaply next time. So just because Viru played the best stroke-making innings any of us has ever seen, that is not a reason to leave him alone and pray for his dismissal, as we were forced to do on the third day in Chennai.

I must say the players have enjoyed the heat in Ahmedabad. They would prefer it be 10 degrees cooler, of course, but the dryness in the air is far more what we are accustomed to rather than the painful humidity in Chennai. As one player said, "It's just like a very, very hot day in Johannesburg."

Our medical staff, however, are working even harder than they did in Chennai because when players sweat, they are acutely aware of how much liquid they are losing and always want to drink. Here, they are losing just as much fluid but, because they are not soaking wet, they may forget to drink.

Finally, there isn't much worse for a Test team than having to await the results of fitness tests on the morning of the match. It can be extremely disruptive for at least 24 hours, if not 48. Sachin's absence may already mean a role change for VVS Laxman – will he bat at number three? – and if Anil Kumble is also unfit then India will suffer a triple blow because he is a strike bowler, he can tie up an end and he is the captain.

I have been in a similar predicament from time to time so I can imagine how unsettled the Indian squad might be feeling. All I can say is that I am extremely fortunate and grateful that all our boys are fit and raring to go. In fact, I can barely remember a time we were so niggle-free. I hope that's not tempting fate! (Gameplan)