Apr 27, 2002 05:43 PM
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(Updated Apr 27, 2002 05:44 PM)
I was expecting that some cricket fanatic would write a review on this great win by India in the second test of their West Indies tour. Well looks like I have to don the mantle. Okay let me make a humble attempt.
Refreshingly, for once Ganguly’s men played as a team. It was a splendid victory and a good team effort, where everybody stood up to be counted. Both teams fought very hard, not giving even an inch to the other, and in the end, no doubt, the better team won. The win is more sweeter as it came outside the subcontinent, though it was only against the West Indies.
Let us try to analyse the positives that have come out of this great historical test victory.
The first and foremost fact is that India for the first time has won a test match without the spinners winning the match. The frontline bowlers consisted of three pacers and it took a very bold move by the skipper, albeit all the criticisms from the Mumbai lobby of Gavaskar and Shastri. This has resulted in a ‘paradigm shift’ (as Stephen Covey would call it) from the old mindset, which was deep rooted in Indian cricket that only spinners can with matches for India. It also served another purpose. Till now it was accepted that if Harbhajan and Kumble are fit, they are certainties for their place in the side. Now this complacency will no longer exist.
The most refreshing aspect of the win was definitely the team effort. For once, it was not as if the spinners or one Sachin Tendulkar winning the game for the rest of the team. It will help the youngsters in the team to blossom and realise that they too can play a part in the team.
It is most ominous sign for the Windies that all the key Indian players struck form in the match. Ganguly, Sachin, Dravid and Laxman played to their potential. And the bowlers Srinath, Nehra and Zaheer bowled their hearts out. Now it is left for Harbhajan, SS Das and Ajay Ratra to show us some of their fares in the coming matches.
The win has certainly saved Ganguly his job, even if it is for the time being. It is not good for any team to have change at the top frequently and with World Cup in the anvil, India can ill afford to change their captain. And also considering the fact that there is very little captaincy material around.
The win also may mark the beginning of a trend of abroad wins (mark the word ‘may’). Because in Ganguly’s own words this is the fourth test win for India in the last one year or so. That itself is a creditable achievement (without considering the fact that those came against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and now West Indies). For a die-hard Indian fan, this win may just be the light at the end of the tunnel (how can one write on cricket without quoting Sidhu, let us hope that “it is not the head light of the oncoming express that is going to run through the team”). Once again it is time to speculate on the resurgence of India as a Test team to reckon with, even away from the doctored pitches of the subcontinent.
But Ganguly and his men must not let this victory get to their heads and relax for the rest of the series. India has in the past lost matches immediately following the ones they win. Ganguly also admitted it in the post match presentation ceremony. Complacency is one thing that the team has to keep out.
The team effort was not all that complete. The openers are yet to score any decent runs and the wicket keeper is yet to really ‘trouble the scorers’ (as per Shastri’s words). The lower order has to show a bit more spine, though one cannot expect too much batting out of the tail enders. Sanjay Bangar has to be utilised fully. If he is in the side as an all-rounder his bowling skills also has to be utilised. Else drop him and take a better batsman (no names mentioned to avoid a debate though I have somebody in mind).
West Indies is a formidable side and they can come back at any stage. Lara has not fired properly. There are also chances of Wavell Hinds and Ridley Jacobs being back in the side to bolster the batting. Chanderpaul and Hooper’s form are also ominous for the Indians. Indian batsmen have still not fully sorted out the West Indian pacers and Cuffy has been bowling at nagging line and length.
Another worrying aspect is the attitude for run scoring. All batsmen prefer scoring their runs in boundaries. They simply don’t understand the importance of singles. When will the so-called-great-Indian-batsmen (including the greatest of them all Sachin) learn to start taking singles to rotate the strike and east the pressure on batting. I have felt that on more than 75% of time, the top order gets out playing shots due to pressure of not being able to score runs (yes, in the form of boundaries). Sachin gets out 90% times like that. Geoffrey Boycott keeps saying the Indian batsmen have their brains on their feet. I don’t know when they will understand the importance of singles and also of rotating the strike.
Lets just keep our fingers crossed and wish that the team goes on to win the series.
