Watching Anil Kumble bowl at the nets on Monday gave a clear indication that India's captain will be back at the helm of affairs in the third Test at his beloved Ferozshah Kotla, starting October 29.
A shoulder injury forced the 38-year-old out of the Mohali Test, a match India won convincingly. But on Monday Kumble looked very comfortable with the ball. And considering the impressive record he has at this venue -- he was 55 wickets @ 15.42 in six Tests including the 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999 -- Kumble is definitely raring to go.
Even India coach Gary Kirsten seemed happy with his recovery.
"He (Kumble) is looking good," gushed Kirsten, before letting the cat out of the bag.
"If Kumble is fit, he captains the side and takes Amit Mishra's place," he said categorically.
The coach may not have minced words but the statement implied the leggie, who made a spectacular debut in Mohali, wasn't given just reward for his effort thanks to the composition of the Indian side.
But before one jumps the gun, there's yet another twist in the tale. Harbhajan Singh, the other spin option for Kirsten and a definite inclusion in the side, is suffering from a toe injury and there are question marks regarding his fitness.
"I am not sure," said Kirsten. "I think he (Harbhajan) picked it up towards the end of the last game.
"But we will wait and see how it goes. We still have a day at our disposal."
Whatever be the case, the equation is quite clear: it is a two-pace, two-spin attack as usual for India.
The South African coach is palpably happy with the effort the two fast bowlers have put in so far in this series and the manner in which they have exploited the reverse swing to the optimum.
"It (reverse swing) is an important component of Test cricket now and we have two bowlers who are using it well at the moment," gushed Kirsten.
"I am very happy with what Zaheer and Ishant have done so far in the series."
Another aspect the Indian coach looks to carry forward is the confidence level.
"Mohali was a benchmark in terms of dominating play. It taught us what we have to do to achieve similar success in the future," admitted Kirsten.
However, there's a word of caution thrown in for good measure.
"I know that they [the Aussies] will give everything they have. But that's something that is given. We can't take anything for granted in the next two Tests," warned Kirsten.
The message for the Indian team is quite clear: confidence is welcome, but complacency is a no-no.
