Every New Year, Stuart Binny’s secret Santa pampers him

Mumbai: If old school cricket lovers (worshippers of the class of 96’) thought Roger Binny’s absence could have turned tables when the selectors met to pick the World Cup squad, they were wrong. Every New Year, Stuart Binny has a secret Santa. In January 2014, the junior Binny made his ODI debut against New Zealand in Hamilton. Within a year, he is all set to play the ICC World Cup starting in February in Australia and New Zealand.

Senior Binny’s aircraft (that refused to fly on time from Bangalore) could sense a disaster and therefore, wanted to save the old man from receiving curses.

There is no doubt that Stuart’s selection – on the basis of six ODIs, nine wickets and 40 runs – have raised eyebrows. But he is an all-rounder. So what if he doesn’t have the experience? On his debut match, he bowled an over for eight runs - quite an experienced customer.

His only claim to fame has been the six-wicket haul (6/4) against Bangladesh in a series played under the shadow of FIFA World Cup 2014. In all likelihood, the pitch had a bug. Seniors weren’t around but the new school of big hitters aren’t that weak to surrender to a meak bowling attack. India, dismissed for 105, wrapped up the hosts for a paltry 58 in Mirpur.

However, Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Sanjay Patel said that coach Duncan Fletcher gave his inputs via a conference call from Sydney while names were listed. The 66-year-old – who will remain coach till the World Cup – will look to end on a high but poor Duncan, he is still looking for his Ashes moment with Team India.

Another decision? On another player? Overseas is the word he hates the most but by now, he seems immuned to rants and criticism and wouldn’t care for another wrong move.

Nonetheless, what remains to be seen is whether Stuart can trigger a change. He is a swing bowler who maintains line and length. Much like Bhuvneshwar Kumar (who conceded 122 runs without a wicket on the second day of the Sydney Test against Australia).

Since the disappearance of Irfan Pathan, India lacked a genuine all-rounder who could bowl seam. But isn’t it too early to throw the little fellow’s hat in the ring?

Being a World Cup winner’s son, he is likely to bring bedtime stories from yesteryears, from 1983 and beyond. Along with that, he will also bring his beautiful wife Mayanti Langer, a television presenter.

But with the leather and willow, the plot thickens my dear Binny, the plot thickens.