This Indian team is on the rise. No question about it. They have climbed up to number 2 in ICC test rankings. Now, are they going to replace the Aussies? Can't reach that conclusion right now. It is too soon to make that call. But make no mistake about it. They are within striking distance and they are a very strong side. Current home matches against England and coming away tours will probably give us a better picture.

For those doubting India's chances abroad, you might be in for a surprise. Just take a look at their recent away record. They have already beaten England (though narrowly ) in England. I think they won the Natwest trophy (ODIS) too. They lost to Aussies 2-1 (though narrowly)in tests but came back and won the ODI triangular. They lost to Sri Lanka (2-1) in tests. But then won the ODIs.

With Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan, they have a formidible pace duo. In the back up, there is Munaf Patel, RP Singh, Irfan Pathan and so on. I think their pace attack is pretty well stocked up (for a change). And yes India's spin attack does not look theatening away from the subcontinent pitches. Nevetheless Habhajan Singh would probably make it in every international test side barring Sri Lanka. Amit Mishra, Piyush Chawala, and Pragyan Ojha are largly untested but have shown enough potential to be good to quality spinners in whatever chances they have received.

I doubt Laxman, Tendulkar and Dravid exit test cricket together. Their exit will creat big holes in indian batting line up no doubt. But If you look at Indian batting reserves, you would be inclined to think that next generation wouldn't fare all that bad crop either. Watchout for the likes of Yuvraj, Rohit, Y.Pathan (ala A.Symonds), M.Vijay and others. Again as long as the three don't exit together, India should be fine.

I would watch out for Sri Lanka amongst others in coming months. I think they have a very good bowling unit (Malinga, Vass, Murali, Mendes, Mahroof). They are a decent batting side as well. So in coming months, I would say Australia (they are still the team to beat), India, Sri Lanka, S.Africa (despite 4-0 against England) are the teams to watchout. England and Pakistan have a fair chance too but I think those are the teams to beat right now.      

As far as England and the current tour is concerned, they need to fix their opening batsmen. Openers with strike rates in mid and low seventies just ain't cut for ODI cricket in India's flat tracks. I believe at least 3 of their bowlers, spin or pace, need to perform well in a match to defeat the Indians.