As finally after quite a sabbatical I get down to writing about my favourite sport, the first thing that could possibly strike my mind was the good ol’ Murphy’s Law. “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” And if I have to sum up the India-England test series, well, for India everything that could possibly go wrong, did go wrong. 1, 2, 3 and 4. As match after match and day after day the annihiliation continued, cricket fans around the world witnessed a brutal massacre of the erstwhile no.1 test team in the world (Never mind if that was only a statistical revelation). Bowlers taken for a ride, batsmen made to look like sitting ducks (except for one) and to top it all, the negligent attitude of the BCCI which simply refused to show any willingness to address the fitness issues of key players whose mere presence makes a difference for the team.
And not just the fitness, the tour calendar, the lack of practice matches could all account for one thing and that is what we just saw during the last month. Everything that the English did, looked like turning into Gold. Even Ian Botham’s prediction came true which indeed is a shocker because we all know how much good he is at that. So yes, in unison it can be said what ever could possibly go wrong for the Indian Team, went wrong.
And not just the fitness, the tour calendar, the lack of practice matches could all account for one thing and that is what we just saw during the last month. Everything that the English did, looked like turning into Gold. Even Ian Botham’s prediction came true which indeed is a shocker because we all know how much good he is at that. So yes, in unison it can be said what ever could possibly go wrong for the Indian Team, went wrong.
But then, we have finally had enough of the bashing (so what if I joined the band-wagon a little late :P). Its better to now focus at what lies ahead of us and that is the One-day series where I believe the team has a serious chance of regaining some glory. But then lets not make the mistake that it will come easy. So lets just first take a look at all the resources (or the depleted ones) that we have at our hands. With Sehwag and Gambhir already having boarded the aircraft for India by now, its a clear case that we have some definite problems at the top. While Sachin is as always our go-to man, it will be a concern who to pair with him. With the space now available in the playing XI, Rohit Sharma might just be the perfect bet for that. The middle order will always have the reliability of the Wall and with the young shoulders of the in form Virat Kohli making his way in, the batting looks lot more solid. However, it is after here that the trouble starts, and its a double whammy. The absence of Yuvraj(a genuine allrounder), and the struggle of Raina. Though this format is more suited for Raina’s style of play, it will be interesting to see how he addresses his problems. A lot is expected of the new face Ajinkya Rahane, who has been pilling runs in domestic cricket for Mumbai and did a commendable job for the team in Australia, though it will be interesting to see how MS utilizes him. And then we obviously have our captain courageous, who time and again has had this nack of leading from the front when the chips our down and when the team really needs one special knock. Those who saw the World Cup final will remember it. So the batting looks fine but its the bowling, where the real struggle begins. With Zak and Bhajji now gone, the responsibility lies hugely with RP, Ishant and Sreesanth to take over the mantle and Varun Aaron is an exciting new prospect who has been designated a genuinely quick bowler. Spin is also an area of concern though I won’t have any doubt in my mind about giving preference to Ashwin over Mishra. The 5th bowler is another area of concern and this is where the selectors again missed a trick (which they are quiet used to). With Yuvraj gone, Yusuf Pathan should have been the out-n-out choice. He is an impact player, bowls useful off-spin and when in the groove, we know what he can do with the meaty willow in his hands. But now with Gambhir gone from the picture, this could be the right moment to name him for the team although it may appear a little late and it also needs to be seen what the men who matter think about it. So all in all, though it appears to be good enough unit to compete, it will take them more than there 100% to make it a winning unit. They have the capability, but will the application be there? Well, only time will tell.
CHEERS FOLKS!!! :)
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