In a country where cricket is considered a religion, it is essential for my post to include one on the game, especially considering the recent exploits by the Indian cricket team. The Indian cricket team played admirably to beat the Aussies and continued its good run by thrashing the English team. There have been eulogies all over terming the Indian cricket team as world champions. Let us analyze whether we truly deserve these accolades.
The last year or so has seen us winning the T20 world cup, the one day series in Australia, the recent test series against Australia and now the one day series against England. If you find the common factor in most of these triumphs, it has been the strong opening batting of Sehwag and Gambhir, the lethal opening spells from Ishant and Zaheer, captaincy from Dhoni (not to forget his batting) and occasional exploits from almost every member of the squad.
But, regardless of all this, I feel that the Indian bench strength has not yet been thoroughly tested and even the top performers of the last year have not faced challenging tours abroad in testing conditions, especially in say, New Zealand or South Africa. The retirement of Ganguly and the likely exit of the other members of the Fab 4 is likely to pose severe challenges to youngsters, who would be expected to fill in the shoes of these maestros. Where are the bowlers to step in, when we have an injury or a slump in form to either Zaheer or Ishant? Please do not tell that we have RP (consistently inconsistent), Munaf (poor attitude, he would be No 11 in a team of Number 11s) or SreeSanth (sits out more matches than he plays and whenever he plays, he is more renowned for his histrionics. I wonder how he appears correctly whenever we win a major tournament). How the Indian batting fares when the openers get out early and when say, Dhoni gets injured, would determine whether we are truly a team of world beaters. Dhoni’s batting in test matches abroad leaves a lot to be desired, though I should say, I am a fan of his composure and approach to the game.
Australia was pronounced as world champions after consistently winning test and one day matches all over the world. We are yet to win a test series against many countries on their home turf. But, recent performances indicate that we are progressing on the right track. It is time for us to introspect and give the youngsters a fair run and opportunity to excel rather than meaninglessly allowing Sachin to play his 419th one day international and hampering the chance for a youngster, in a series already won by India against England. It is time for us to plan pro actively like a world champion before becoming one.
Please dont go gaga over Dhoni so soon. Let him hit a bad patch and then see how he carries himself. In my opinion he speaks a bit too much. One thing that will definitely hamper future Indian team’s chances is that they dont have matured heads in their ranks which will make things really difficult during a bad phase.
As always the second season is what tests any cricketer the most and in this sense a real acid test awaits Ishant. I personally want this lad to succeed.
But one silver lining is the terrific opening combo. I want to stress this fact to everybody, Sachin is not blocking anyone’s place. He is good enough to play ODI, I really cant understand why everyone is after him.
We Eliminated Ganguly and Dravid for no reason and he is the only stalwart remaining. Sachin is doubling up as a mentor for the team too. It is not often that youngsters get a legend like him in the team. Just watching him go about his job and work ethics is a much greater learning process for the youngsters than playing some Inconsequential ODIs.
When we look at the India’s progress in the recent times including a 5-0 whitewash against England, it is imminent that Indian Team will become the world champions soon. Its meaningless to say we are world champions unless and until we win almost all the matches and also in all the forms of the game.
Most of the credit goes to Dhoni rather than the team. Yes the team effort is required always. But its Dhoni who does all the magic with his clear understanding and game plan. Its not far away for Dhoni becoming the most successful captain not only in the Indian arena but also in the world arena. Though he might not be able to make records as Sachin, yet he will be remembered as the most successful captain in the history of cricket for ages to come.
India will be the Number 1 in all forms of the game and yes the aussies have started feeling this heat. They are suffering from Dhoniophobia(Fear of Dhoni)
Now its just words coming out frm their mouth. They are stunned by India’s recent performance. Kudos to Team India and Dhoni.
And yes, the impact of T20 is visible in both ODI and Test. Cricketers has become hungry for runs in recent days. It will be hereafter batsman’s game rather than bowler’s game until the pitch helps the bowlers though its not an healthy atmosphere for the bowler’s to survive.