Indian Cricket Individuals

nPower Test Series 2011

Indian Politics and Indian Cricket - everything that is talked about these two is easier said than done. However, like all cricket columnists and their opinions, I think I’m entitled to mine. This is the series that everybody believed will test the Numero Uno status of the Indian Cricket team. The first 2 matches have displayed the lack of preparation, the inability to cope with foreign conditions and the injury blows either due to lack of match practice or just plainly unfit athletes. Even as a viewer sitting in my room and watching on the television I notice a sense of complacency seeping into the approach of the Indian players and the way they carry themselves on the pitch. There is a certain air of self-importance and arrogance in the way they carry themselves.

Question in my mind, “Do these people think it’s just another game and they will still qualify for the finals anyway?” I don’t know exactly but I’m made to think so. At this age (I’m 24) I know that success does affect the behavioral attitude and that may be the reason why a certain Raina or a Yuvraj or a Bhajji and even Skipper Dhoni got self-satisfied. The hectic T20 schedule may have caused the fatigue in the Indian dressing room. In my humble opinion and as an ardent Test cricket lover, I feel IPL does no good to the game, except maybe good money (but for a lot of people). Zaheer's injury, Sehwag's absence, Bhajji's attitude and even the inept technique of Raina & Yuvraj may all be the consequence of a long schedule of the elaborate T20 format and the intensity that these games draw from the players (all Test players except VVS Laxman play in the IPL).

Individually, the Indian cricketers are talented, aggressive and a couple of them are legends, no two words on that. Just glancing at the lineup before a match, it must give jitters to any opposition. I also don’t think its lack of skill or competency that is causing India’s debacle in the on-going series. However, it is certainly debatable whether we will be able to retain No. 1 spot without a lethal bowling attack which all top test playing countries have. I don’t have much to complain against any of the players either. I also don’t identify anything against the strategies by MS Dhoni so far. It is perhaps just a tired state of mind (also pride) and drained physical motivation, really. India, with Sehwag and Zaheer back in the team will look like Champions once again, no doubt. They will win again, no doubt. Right now, it is however, clear that Indian Cricket Team is individually driven and not a synergistic, cohesive unit that fight together. Atleast, I get that kind of feeling while listening to the commentary and reading the newspaper articles. All that is being said and written about is a certain Tendulkar, a certain Zaheer, a certain Dravid. I’m hopeful (not quite confident) of a comeback by the team once these individuals are back in the playing 11.