The India-Australia test series took a week’s break, allowing the Aussies much needed time to rest, recuperate and gather themselves for the remainder of the series. But it also left the media starved and hungry for sports masala to fill their spots.
Coincidentally it emerged that Adam Gilchrist had made some ‘anti-Tendulkar’ remarks in his autobiography. Sachin Tendulkar was supposedly ‘so surprised’ that he didn’t know how to react. Harbhajan Singh, a favourite of the media, said that the Aussies should look at themselves, etc. Gilchrist called up Tendulkar to clarify. Every Tom, Dick and Harry was interviewed. The issue was given more prominence in the media than the fact that a man who is inciting violence against north Indians in Mumbai and splitting the nation to gain political mileage, is out in the open.
I think this is all a big joke. As usual, the media has filled in their empty spots with whatever spicy masala they could find. They have once again made a mountain of a molehill and taken innocent, ignorant Indians for a ride. Whatever has been written in that book, this episode has given it free publicity, and is a marketing success, guaranteeing huge sales in India. Adam Gilchrist and the publishers will laugh their way to the bank.
For us lovers of real cricket, we eagerly await the Aussie response and a possible comeback at Kotla. If they cannot win a test in this series, this is the beginning of the end.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Test Cricket at Mohali
There was one dark spot in the overwhelming victory at Mohali though. This match, between the two best test teams, featuring a plethora of great talent, attracted only sparse crowds. The only groups of audiences worth mentioning were schoolchildren who were given free entry to watch the game and Australian tourists. Much has been written about this fiasco, so here are my few words.
Test matches have never attracted big crowds at Mohali. It will be impossible to find records of ticket sales (ditto for all Indian grounds). But I have never seen the Mohali stands more than 25% full for any test match.
Let’s not get into analysis-paralysis here. It’s a simple case of social psychology (for want of a more appropriate term). People from that part of the country simply do not understand or appreciate test cricket – a fact reflected in the dearth of test cricketers produced from that region. Unfortunately such bad eggs create a negative image of the passion that this country has for cricket, and especially for the real cricket.
Now it is up to our ‘able’ administrators to decide. Do they want to continue forcing test cricket down the throats of Chandigarh-ites? Not to mention the IS Bindra connection here. Or will they bring more test cricket to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, where people understand, appreciate, love and are hungry for more top quality test match cricket?
We all know what BCCI’s priorities are. Unfortunately we have to see our #1 passion hijacked for the vested interests of these greedy rogues.
Test matches have never attracted big crowds at Mohali. It will be impossible to find records of ticket sales (ditto for all Indian grounds). But I have never seen the Mohali stands more than 25% full for any test match.
Let’s not get into analysis-paralysis here. It’s a simple case of social psychology (for want of a more appropriate term). People from that part of the country simply do not understand or appreciate test cricket – a fact reflected in the dearth of test cricketers produced from that region. Unfortunately such bad eggs create a negative image of the passion that this country has for cricket, and especially for the real cricket.
Now it is up to our ‘able’ administrators to decide. Do they want to continue forcing test cricket down the throats of Chandigarh-ites? Not to mention the IS Bindra connection here. Or will they bring more test cricket to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, where people understand, appreciate, love and are hungry for more top quality test match cricket?
We all know what BCCI’s priorities are. Unfortunately we have to see our #1 passion hijacked for the vested interests of these greedy rogues.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Test 2 @ Mohali – Dhoni shows the way!
India comprehensively outplayed Australia in the 2nd test at Mohali and has deservedly taken a 1-0 lead in the 4 match series. The victory by 320 runs is India's biggest run-margin of victory.
Day 1 itself saw history, with Sachin Tendulkar becoming the highest run scorer, and also crossing the 12,000 run mark in test cricket. He fell 12 runs short of what could have been his 40th test century. Sourav Ganguly on his part crossed 7000, and went on to make a century on the 2nd day.
But the real aggressive intent was shown by the stand-in captain Dhoni. The Aussies were hoping to trap him with the short-pitched ones. But, MS pulled his very first ball from Brett Lee to the square leg fence, and hooked the debutant Peter Siddle for a six shortly after. His smashing 92 (including 4 sixes) destroyed any Aussie hopes of bowling the Indians out for below 400 in the first innings.
The Aussie innings was put on the back foot almost immediately with Zaheer getting rid of Hayden for his 2nd duck of the series. Ponting went soon after to the fast improving Ishant Sharma. That lifted the curtains for the young leggie Amit Mishra to show his art and bamboozle the Aussies. Simon Katich was his first test wicket, and his googly from around the wicket to dismiss Clarke on the last ball of day 2 was a classic.
Another wicket that stood out for me was that of Brad Haddin, clean bowled by Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan pitching it just short of a driving length outside off stump, turning in, between bat and pad, and knocking back the off stump – an off spinner’s dream wicket. This was exactly the line that he should have adopted on day 4 of the 1st test, but he let Haddin and Watson off the hook by some senseless leg-stump bowling. At least he’s learnt his lesson.
The Aussies could never catch up, and India only increased the tempo of the match in their 2nd innings, scoring 314 off only 65 overs, at almost 5 runs per over. One felt that Dhoni might have delayed the declaration a little bit. However, the Aussies, showed a surprising and disappointing lack of determination and fight, and were bowled out after an hour’s play on the last day for just 191.
The defeat was utmost humiliation for the Aussies, who will welcome the week long break. They need it to recollect their ideas and try to draw up some plans to get back into the series. The performance of Brett Lee has been very disheartening, and his spat with Ricky Ponting on day 4 did not give out the best signals. Although the Aussies tried their best to not allow the media to inflate the incident, their attempts were quite unconvincing. One cannot imagine that the premier fast bowler would be kept out of the attack just because they were down on the over rate. One fears that there’s some discontent brewing in the Aussie camp. The absence of Stuart Clark is a big worry, and with the lack of a quality spinner, the Aussies desperately need him if they harbour any hopes of taking 20 Indian wickets to be able to win a test match.
From the Indian point of view, this was the ultimate team performance, with just about all 11 contributing to a memorable win. All credit the team, and especially of the captain, MS Dhoni. His leadership and tactics were exemplary and the enthusiasm that he generates among his comrades is just unbelievable. Dhoni deservedly won the Man of the Match award. He has that mystical ability to get the best out of his players. Perhaps Kapil Dev had that magic, which enabled him to lead a bunch of unheralded young men to victory in the 1983 World Cup.
A plea has to be made to Anil Kumble to graciously step aside at the first possible opportunity, and allow MS Dhoni to take Indian cricket ahead. We have already found a replacement in the spin department. Kumble has been a great servant of Indian cricket, but he must realize that his time is over. Hopefully Srikkanth and co. will not have the difficult task of using the axe.
Day 1 itself saw history, with Sachin Tendulkar becoming the highest run scorer, and also crossing the 12,000 run mark in test cricket. He fell 12 runs short of what could have been his 40th test century. Sourav Ganguly on his part crossed 7000, and went on to make a century on the 2nd day.
But the real aggressive intent was shown by the stand-in captain Dhoni. The Aussies were hoping to trap him with the short-pitched ones. But, MS pulled his very first ball from Brett Lee to the square leg fence, and hooked the debutant Peter Siddle for a six shortly after. His smashing 92 (including 4 sixes) destroyed any Aussie hopes of bowling the Indians out for below 400 in the first innings.
The Aussie innings was put on the back foot almost immediately with Zaheer getting rid of Hayden for his 2nd duck of the series. Ponting went soon after to the fast improving Ishant Sharma. That lifted the curtains for the young leggie Amit Mishra to show his art and bamboozle the Aussies. Simon Katich was his first test wicket, and his googly from around the wicket to dismiss Clarke on the last ball of day 2 was a classic.
Another wicket that stood out for me was that of Brad Haddin, clean bowled by Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan pitching it just short of a driving length outside off stump, turning in, between bat and pad, and knocking back the off stump – an off spinner’s dream wicket. This was exactly the line that he should have adopted on day 4 of the 1st test, but he let Haddin and Watson off the hook by some senseless leg-stump bowling. At least he’s learnt his lesson.
The Aussies could never catch up, and India only increased the tempo of the match in their 2nd innings, scoring 314 off only 65 overs, at almost 5 runs per over. One felt that Dhoni might have delayed the declaration a little bit. However, the Aussies, showed a surprising and disappointing lack of determination and fight, and were bowled out after an hour’s play on the last day for just 191.
The defeat was utmost humiliation for the Aussies, who will welcome the week long break. They need it to recollect their ideas and try to draw up some plans to get back into the series. The performance of Brett Lee has been very disheartening, and his spat with Ricky Ponting on day 4 did not give out the best signals. Although the Aussies tried their best to not allow the media to inflate the incident, their attempts were quite unconvincing. One cannot imagine that the premier fast bowler would be kept out of the attack just because they were down on the over rate. One fears that there’s some discontent brewing in the Aussie camp. The absence of Stuart Clark is a big worry, and with the lack of a quality spinner, the Aussies desperately need him if they harbour any hopes of taking 20 Indian wickets to be able to win a test match.
From the Indian point of view, this was the ultimate team performance, with just about all 11 contributing to a memorable win. All credit the team, and especially of the captain, MS Dhoni. His leadership and tactics were exemplary and the enthusiasm that he generates among his comrades is just unbelievable. Dhoni deservedly won the Man of the Match award. He has that mystical ability to get the best out of his players. Perhaps Kapil Dev had that magic, which enabled him to lead a bunch of unheralded young men to victory in the 1983 World Cup.
A plea has to be made to Anil Kumble to graciously step aside at the first possible opportunity, and allow MS Dhoni to take Indian cricket ahead. We have already found a replacement in the spin department. Kumble has been a great servant of Indian cricket, but he must realize that his time is over. Hopefully Srikkanth and co. will not have the difficult task of using the axe.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Test 1 @ Bangalore – Views and Reviews
The 1st test has ended in a draw, but not without much excitement and the usual analysis. The Aussies held the upper-hand for most of the game. But their scoring was unusually slow and, as predicted their bowling lacked necessary experience and guile to take 20 wickets. The Indians were on the backfoot after a big first innings from the Aussies, but a spirited performance with the bat from Harbhajan and Zaheer saved the blushes. Some points to review:
Ponting and Hussey scored centuries. Ricky Ponting finally broke the Indian shackles with an attacking hundred on the first day. He has been a fantastic performer across the world, but his technique, esp defensive, against quality spin on turning wickets, is still suspect. With Harbhajan and Ishant constantly on the prowl, run making will continue to be difficult for the Aussie captain thru this series. Mike Hussey, on the other hand, has looked extremely confident and will probably be the biggest thorn for the Indian bowlers over the remaining matches as well. His performance will be a key factor in this series.
The Indian batting collapse in the 1st innings gave a real scare to all supporters, but some tough lower order resistance minimized the 1st innings deficit to just 70, and also consumed valuable time, a big factor that came into play as India were saving the test on the last day. With their bowling attack, this was probably Australia’s best chance to win a test here. Harbhajan and Zaheer have a big job to play with the ball, but their batting contribution will prove invaluable in the context of this series.
Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma were the bright lights of the Indian bowling. Their spirit and control was tremendous to watch. Zaheer’s reverse swing and Ishant’s slower deliveries were hugely successful. Before the series commenced, Kumble and Harbhajan were tipped to run through the Aussie batting, but the new ball pair shone above all and present a lot of hope for the future. Kumble and Harbhajan however largely disappointed. There isn’t much to say about their performance, except for a charged-up spell by Harbhajan on the 4th afternoon, when he had the better of Katich and Hussey.
I witnessed a most intriguing 4th day of the test match at the Chinnaswamy. It started with Zaheer and co. holding fort for an hour. Zaheer then trapped Hayden with a late inswinger, and Ishant fooled his bunny Ponting into chipping a slower one to Laxman at short mid wicket. Before the series Ponting had professed that batsmen should take the fielder’s word on doubtful catches. I might be mistaken, but it felt as though Ponting was not convinced with Laxman’s claim to the catch and waited more than necessary to walk off. Sorry Mr. Ponting – you should first practice what you preach. And this is why, despite his great batting and captaincy records, he will never be respected as a great sportsman.
Anil Kumble came in for a great deal of criticism thru this test match. His bowling was supposed to be a decisive factor in this series, but was merely innocuous and the Aussies were very comfortable in dealing with him. It later emerged that he was playing with an injured shoulder. Whether his injury was diagnosed before the match is unknown, but the fact is that he returned with the worst bowling figures of his test match career, and that too on his home ground.
Kumble’s captaincy was equally toothless and lacked any creativity or imagination. His bowling changes were very predictable, with the pacers being used for standard 7-8 over spells, then being rotated as per a plan that seemed to be put together in the dressing room, with very little on-field proactiveness and tactical moves.
On the 4th day, while Kumble couldn’t take the field for 22 overs, Dhoni handled the mantle of captaincy. This was perhaps India’s most aggressive phase of the entire match. Field placements were unorthodox and very effective, the pacers were charged up and did not give any chance to the batsmen to set the pace. Harbhajan followed with a spell of utmost control, taking the wickets of Katich and Hussey. The Aussies were in a spot of bother at 128/5. That might have been a glimmer of a chance for India to actually bowl out Australia and push for a win.
Unfortunately Harbhajan and Kumble could not keep up the pressure. Inexplicably, Harbhajan bowled (and continued to bowl) a leg stump line, and allowed Haddin and Watson to pick him off for singles on the leg side. A more aggressive and positive tactic should have been to bowl into the rough outside the right-handers’ off stump, challenging them into driving the ball. Driving on that wicket would have been an impossible task, and with any luck, we might have seen the Aussies bowled out on day 4 for 170-180, leaving India with about 250 to win on the final day – that would have been some climax.
Overall, this was an intriguing test match, and has set up an exciting series. Australia, controlled most of the game, but could not pull off a win. This was probably their best chance, but they have given enough indication that they are not to be counted off. For India, the darkest spot was the captaincy of Anil Kumble. But every dark cloud has a silver lining. MS Dhoni, in his brief period of leadership, proved that he is ready to take up the job full-time. We might have seen the last of Anil Kumble.
Ponting and Hussey scored centuries. Ricky Ponting finally broke the Indian shackles with an attacking hundred on the first day. He has been a fantastic performer across the world, but his technique, esp defensive, against quality spin on turning wickets, is still suspect. With Harbhajan and Ishant constantly on the prowl, run making will continue to be difficult for the Aussie captain thru this series. Mike Hussey, on the other hand, has looked extremely confident and will probably be the biggest thorn for the Indian bowlers over the remaining matches as well. His performance will be a key factor in this series.
The Indian batting collapse in the 1st innings gave a real scare to all supporters, but some tough lower order resistance minimized the 1st innings deficit to just 70, and also consumed valuable time, a big factor that came into play as India were saving the test on the last day. With their bowling attack, this was probably Australia’s best chance to win a test here. Harbhajan and Zaheer have a big job to play with the ball, but their batting contribution will prove invaluable in the context of this series.
Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma were the bright lights of the Indian bowling. Their spirit and control was tremendous to watch. Zaheer’s reverse swing and Ishant’s slower deliveries were hugely successful. Before the series commenced, Kumble and Harbhajan were tipped to run through the Aussie batting, but the new ball pair shone above all and present a lot of hope for the future. Kumble and Harbhajan however largely disappointed. There isn’t much to say about their performance, except for a charged-up spell by Harbhajan on the 4th afternoon, when he had the better of Katich and Hussey.
I witnessed a most intriguing 4th day of the test match at the Chinnaswamy. It started with Zaheer and co. holding fort for an hour. Zaheer then trapped Hayden with a late inswinger, and Ishant fooled his bunny Ponting into chipping a slower one to Laxman at short mid wicket. Before the series Ponting had professed that batsmen should take the fielder’s word on doubtful catches. I might be mistaken, but it felt as though Ponting was not convinced with Laxman’s claim to the catch and waited more than necessary to walk off. Sorry Mr. Ponting – you should first practice what you preach. And this is why, despite his great batting and captaincy records, he will never be respected as a great sportsman.
Anil Kumble came in for a great deal of criticism thru this test match. His bowling was supposed to be a decisive factor in this series, but was merely innocuous and the Aussies were very comfortable in dealing with him. It later emerged that he was playing with an injured shoulder. Whether his injury was diagnosed before the match is unknown, but the fact is that he returned with the worst bowling figures of his test match career, and that too on his home ground.
Kumble’s captaincy was equally toothless and lacked any creativity or imagination. His bowling changes were very predictable, with the pacers being used for standard 7-8 over spells, then being rotated as per a plan that seemed to be put together in the dressing room, with very little on-field proactiveness and tactical moves.
On the 4th day, while Kumble couldn’t take the field for 22 overs, Dhoni handled the mantle of captaincy. This was perhaps India’s most aggressive phase of the entire match. Field placements were unorthodox and very effective, the pacers were charged up and did not give any chance to the batsmen to set the pace. Harbhajan followed with a spell of utmost control, taking the wickets of Katich and Hussey. The Aussies were in a spot of bother at 128/5. That might have been a glimmer of a chance for India to actually bowl out Australia and push for a win.
Unfortunately Harbhajan and Kumble could not keep up the pressure. Inexplicably, Harbhajan bowled (and continued to bowl) a leg stump line, and allowed Haddin and Watson to pick him off for singles on the leg side. A more aggressive and positive tactic should have been to bowl into the rough outside the right-handers’ off stump, challenging them into driving the ball. Driving on that wicket would have been an impossible task, and with any luck, we might have seen the Aussies bowled out on day 4 for 170-180, leaving India with about 250 to win on the final day – that would have been some climax.
Overall, this was an intriguing test match, and has set up an exciting series. Australia, controlled most of the game, but could not pull off a win. This was probably their best chance, but they have given enough indication that they are not to be counted off. For India, the darkest spot was the captaincy of Anil Kumble. But every dark cloud has a silver lining. MS Dhoni, in his brief period of leadership, proved that he is ready to take up the job full-time. We might have seen the last of Anil Kumble.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Rewind to 1998 - the Sachin Tendulkar show
As we wait in anticipation of a keen contest over the next 5 weeks, let’s sit back and refresh our memories of the last three times the Australians visited for a test series in India. I have been extremely fortunate to be witness to some great action, sitting in the stands, for some days on each of the 3 occasions, returning full of excitement and with a sore throat every time. So here goes..
The year 1998 saw the Australian cricket team visiting India for a full test series after a gap of 12 years. The Aussies came with a big reputation of course, and were already considered by many to be the unofficial world test champions. But India was considered to be ‘Tigers’ at home, and this was surely going to be a very tough series.
But the Aussies were badly hit with their first-choice pace bowlers, McGrath and Gillespie out due to injury. It was left to Michael Kasprowicz to shoulder the burden, supported by Paul Reiffel, Adam Dale, and Paul Wilson. In the spin department, Shane Warne had a partner in Gavin Robertson, who out of near obscurity, was given the unenviable task of bowling against the Indians at home.
The Aussies are renowned to putting visiting sides through gruel right from the tour matches, but now they had to face some of their own medicine. They drew up against the defending Ranji champs, Mumbai, at the historic and picturesque (can’t say that about many Indian cricket grounds) Bradbourne stadium. The Aussies declared after the first day, but what hit them on day 2, the scars still remain...
The day was February 25, 2008. Thru the first hour, Amit Pagnis set the pace with a half century. Then walked in the little master. The upcoming series was billed as Tendulkar vs Warne, and this was to be the curtain raiser. But what we witnessed over the next 4 hours was simply sublime. Reiffel, Dale and Wilson were made to look like they were some tourists who did not belong on the cricket field – such was the ease and caress with which he drove them to the fence. Sachin’s treatment of Warne was much more ruthless. This was the day he tested the slog sweep to Warne bowling round the wicket, hitting him over mid-wicket on more than one occasion. 4 hours of batting exhibition, and the little master had completed his very first double century in first-class cricket. Sachin relented on 204 not out, and Shane Warne retuned with his worst bowling figures, 16-1-111-0.
The Aussies were bundled out on the 3rd day, and Mumbai won by 10 wickets. This game was to be the preview of things to come. India won the first test at the Chepauk, Sachin Tendulkar with another magnificent knock, which is now part of folklore. The 2nd test at Eden Gardens was utmost humiliation of the Aussies, defeat by an innings and 219 runs in 3½ days. The tourists managed to save face at the Bangalore test, thanks to Mark Waugh’s 153, and a dream 5 wicket haul by Michael Kasprowicz.
With that, India won the series 2-1, and retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The battle of the leggies turned out one-sided. Anil Kumble returned with 23 wickets, Warne with 10. The Aussies had to return empty-handed, India was the only country in which Mark Taylor did not win a test series. Neither did his successor Steve Waugh, who famously christened India as “The Last Frontier” before the 2001 tour.
The year 1998 saw the Australian cricket team visiting India for a full test series after a gap of 12 years. The Aussies came with a big reputation of course, and were already considered by many to be the unofficial world test champions. But India was considered to be ‘Tigers’ at home, and this was surely going to be a very tough series.
But the Aussies were badly hit with their first-choice pace bowlers, McGrath and Gillespie out due to injury. It was left to Michael Kasprowicz to shoulder the burden, supported by Paul Reiffel, Adam Dale, and Paul Wilson. In the spin department, Shane Warne had a partner in Gavin Robertson, who out of near obscurity, was given the unenviable task of bowling against the Indians at home.
The Aussies are renowned to putting visiting sides through gruel right from the tour matches, but now they had to face some of their own medicine. They drew up against the defending Ranji champs, Mumbai, at the historic and picturesque (can’t say that about many Indian cricket grounds) Bradbourne stadium. The Aussies declared after the first day, but what hit them on day 2, the scars still remain...
The day was February 25, 2008. Thru the first hour, Amit Pagnis set the pace with a half century. Then walked in the little master. The upcoming series was billed as Tendulkar vs Warne, and this was to be the curtain raiser. But what we witnessed over the next 4 hours was simply sublime. Reiffel, Dale and Wilson were made to look like they were some tourists who did not belong on the cricket field – such was the ease and caress with which he drove them to the fence. Sachin’s treatment of Warne was much more ruthless. This was the day he tested the slog sweep to Warne bowling round the wicket, hitting him over mid-wicket on more than one occasion. 4 hours of batting exhibition, and the little master had completed his very first double century in first-class cricket. Sachin relented on 204 not out, and Shane Warne retuned with his worst bowling figures, 16-1-111-0.
The Aussies were bundled out on the 3rd day, and Mumbai won by 10 wickets. This game was to be the preview of things to come. India won the first test at the Chepauk, Sachin Tendulkar with another magnificent knock, which is now part of folklore. The 2nd test at Eden Gardens was utmost humiliation of the Aussies, defeat by an innings and 219 runs in 3½ days. The tourists managed to save face at the Bangalore test, thanks to Mark Waugh’s 153, and a dream 5 wicket haul by Michael Kasprowicz.
With that, India won the series 2-1, and retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The battle of the leggies turned out one-sided. Anil Kumble returned with 23 wickets, Warne with 10. The Aussies had to return empty-handed, India was the only country in which Mark Taylor did not win a test series. Neither did his successor Steve Waugh, who famously christened India as “The Last Frontier” before the 2001 tour.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
India V Australia – Post 1: the Fab 4 debate
We’re less than a week away from one of the most eagerly awaited test series of all: India vs Australia. After the excitement (cricketing and otherwise) of the last dual down under, one hopes this series will be remembered for great cricketing exhibitions than anything else.
A much hyped discussion these days is that of the “Fab 4” that is the legendary Indian middle order. Well, much of the guessing has been put to rest for the moment, with all 4 selected for the first 2 tests. And rightly so, irrespective of the failure in Sri Lanka, the 4 still remain India’s best bets for this all-important series.
However, there will soon come a time when the big 4 boots will have to be filled; so what are the prospects? Let me discuss a few obvious contenders:
Badrinath has been given the nod for the first two tests of the series. He has been among the most prolific run-getters in domestic cricket, and has truly deserved the recognition. However, the impression I get whenever I have seen him is that he is a little late on the ball and will be quite susceptible on the faster tracks. His showing against the Aussies in Hyderabad does not give much confidence.
Rohit Sharma has just hit a magnificent 105 against the Aussies. Yes, he surely seems to have the talent, and has more than proven his shot-making abilities in the shorter versions of the game. But, temperamentally he is not yet ready for test cdricket. He needs to invest at least one full Ranji season, and maybe some ‘A’ tours, to develop his mindset to build longer innings.
Yuvraj Singh is in my view, the 2nd most naturally gifted batsman to have represented India. (No disrespect to Gavaskar, Vishwanath, etc., and Ranjithsinhji played for England) But, alas he has been playing international cricket for a decade now, and has never displayed a mental aptitude for test cricket. Yes, he has had the odd big knock against Pakistan, but he refuses to correct basic flaws in his defensive technique. Anyways, by choosing to go out on a date in the middle of the crucial Sydney test, he has proven without doubt that he lacks any work ethic. Sorry Yuvi, you have flattered to deceive, and can forget about test cricket.
Suresh Raina was rated very highly by Greg Chappell, and that’s some bullet point for his resume. Notwithstanding Chappell’s failed stint as coach, he has been one of the finest batsmen, and has a fantastic eye for talent. Rewind to the 1991 WACA test, a certain S.R.Tendulkar, all of 19 years, had just completed a marvelous century when all his senior teammates fell like 10 pins. Greg Chappell, the commentator said, “We have just seen the emergence of one of the stars of the ‘90’s!!!”. And how true was his prophecy. Raina seems to have the complete package of a fine middle order batsman, and the humility to handle success. All the best boy, let’s hope you go all the way!
Manoj Tiwari is one name that has gone out of the limelight of late. He had a fantastic Ranji season last year, and was widely pitted to be a future test player for the country. He missed a superfast yorker from Brett Lee at Brisbane in his only ODI outing earlier this year. I thought Sehwag’s handling of this fine emerging talent during the IPL (Delhi Daredevils) was very disappointing and he deserved a much better run. He has a very solid technique and his strokeplay is a sight to watch; my vote to take over from Rahul Dravid. If he can be half as successful as Dravid, he’ll have done a great job.
Who are the other contenders? Mohammad Kaif has been given one too many chances, but has not shown the ability to play long innings. Robin Uthappa … nah that’s a long shot. Virat Kohli needs to prove himself for a couple of seasons at least.
So I have nominated 3 future Indian middle order batsmen (making Srikkanth’s job that much easier!) – Manoj Tiwari, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina. What about the 4th? Let’s have some patience… we have till 2011 at least.. Sachin isn’t going to retire without winning the World Cup at the Wankhede!
A much hyped discussion these days is that of the “Fab 4” that is the legendary Indian middle order. Well, much of the guessing has been put to rest for the moment, with all 4 selected for the first 2 tests. And rightly so, irrespective of the failure in Sri Lanka, the 4 still remain India’s best bets for this all-important series.
However, there will soon come a time when the big 4 boots will have to be filled; so what are the prospects? Let me discuss a few obvious contenders:
Badrinath has been given the nod for the first two tests of the series. He has been among the most prolific run-getters in domestic cricket, and has truly deserved the recognition. However, the impression I get whenever I have seen him is that he is a little late on the ball and will be quite susceptible on the faster tracks. His showing against the Aussies in Hyderabad does not give much confidence.
Rohit Sharma has just hit a magnificent 105 against the Aussies. Yes, he surely seems to have the talent, and has more than proven his shot-making abilities in the shorter versions of the game. But, temperamentally he is not yet ready for test cdricket. He needs to invest at least one full Ranji season, and maybe some ‘A’ tours, to develop his mindset to build longer innings.
Yuvraj Singh is in my view, the 2nd most naturally gifted batsman to have represented India. (No disrespect to Gavaskar, Vishwanath, etc., and Ranjithsinhji played for England) But, alas he has been playing international cricket for a decade now, and has never displayed a mental aptitude for test cricket. Yes, he has had the odd big knock against Pakistan, but he refuses to correct basic flaws in his defensive technique. Anyways, by choosing to go out on a date in the middle of the crucial Sydney test, he has proven without doubt that he lacks any work ethic. Sorry Yuvi, you have flattered to deceive, and can forget about test cricket.
Suresh Raina was rated very highly by Greg Chappell, and that’s some bullet point for his resume. Notwithstanding Chappell’s failed stint as coach, he has been one of the finest batsmen, and has a fantastic eye for talent. Rewind to the 1991 WACA test, a certain S.R.Tendulkar, all of 19 years, had just completed a marvelous century when all his senior teammates fell like 10 pins. Greg Chappell, the commentator said, “We have just seen the emergence of one of the stars of the ‘90’s!!!”. And how true was his prophecy. Raina seems to have the complete package of a fine middle order batsman, and the humility to handle success. All the best boy, let’s hope you go all the way!
Manoj Tiwari is one name that has gone out of the limelight of late. He had a fantastic Ranji season last year, and was widely pitted to be a future test player for the country. He missed a superfast yorker from Brett Lee at Brisbane in his only ODI outing earlier this year. I thought Sehwag’s handling of this fine emerging talent during the IPL (Delhi Daredevils) was very disappointing and he deserved a much better run. He has a very solid technique and his strokeplay is a sight to watch; my vote to take over from Rahul Dravid. If he can be half as successful as Dravid, he’ll have done a great job.
Who are the other contenders? Mohammad Kaif has been given one too many chances, but has not shown the ability to play long innings. Robin Uthappa … nah that’s a long shot. Virat Kohli needs to prove himself for a couple of seasons at least.
So I have nominated 3 future Indian middle order batsmen (making Srikkanth’s job that much easier!) – Manoj Tiwari, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina. What about the 4th? Let’s have some patience… we have till 2011 at least.. Sachin isn’t going to retire without winning the World Cup at the Wankhede!
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