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Sport is indeed a complete experience that takes one through the extreme emotions of life. Even as we were lost in a hangover from accomplishing a lifelong dreamt World Cup triumph, we were rudely woken with a nightmarish hammering on scenic foreign lands best suited for romance. And to add to the pain of such a stinging disgrace, two legends unexpectedly limped off into the sunset. Suddenly, a mighty empire in its own den looked toothless and hence, it was no surprise that the mighty defence of its fortified pride was reduced to dust by a determined English side.
If only that could be treated as an aberration, the optimistic patriotic enthusiast in me pleaded!
Amidst all the chaotic repercussions in a fragmented home, as the final dynamite to tear it apart, its favourite son was demanded for a sacrificial ritual. After months of living a traumatic role, questioned for deservedness in every frame, the tragedy play eventually came to an end. Thankfully, the last remaining star in Sachin did yield only partly, staying on to bridge the dark night of this infant with its mature bright dawn.
We missed him in the colours but cricket moved on into a new era with a New Year that promised hope, although this bright moment was only postponed. Our very neighbours, who arrived as invited guests poisoned the menu and left until thankfully, the Cook returned to sacrifice his Christmas presents to deliver a perfect dessert as India regained its crown in the coloured robes!
Ironically, even as we celebrated at having reached the summit, the sane purist was found declaring that we have a long way to go. The, touchwood, reality!
Our once prided ‘home’ empire, now in ruins, is already a rumoured myth. History has recorded various Legends who once called us the final frontier but today we seem to be making history, more credible in creating legends off visiting novices. Our potential kings have gone into a sleep even as the opponents’ pawns are spiritedly advancing. The least we could ask of a mighty warrior is to instil courage in his ranks and fear across with his mere presence in the battlefield; the real reason why someone like Sachin, in his real avatar on the field, makes such a difference to a team’s spirit!
In ten days’ time, we will have a chance to erase the tainted past and provide our supporters a reason to stick on. The Border-Gavaskar trophy duel at home is a challenge royal enough that a victory would be respected, even if the opposition appears weakened due to a fate same as ours. Indian takes on Australia in a 4 match Test series starting from the 22nd of this month. A victory would mean we are back to where we belong as champions who can hold their head high, at least at home, for a start!
Australia will be without Ricky Ponting
The appetizing factor for this series besides the perennial Sachin aura, would be a test of both the team’s abilities to stand tall despite losing two of their legends. India will walk out to the toss without Dravid and Laxman, while Australia will have to perform without the services of Ponting and Hussey. In the light of such magnanimous loss at least, you could probably say that both are equal or since its India versus Australia, I’d say India starts with a greater loss!
So, as we are set for an epic showdown that promises to be a defining moment in the cricket of both these nations, it’s time we took stock of our resources. Saving the visitors for another day, here is a thorough examination of our representatives.
From the bygone Test series loss to the English, there were a lot of key observations.
The negatives
Our captain seemed more focused on the pitch report. Sehwag was irresponsible and nonchalant throughout the series, save the first match. The openers, on the whole, weren’t keen to spend an hour together in the middle. Kohli and Sachin didn’t justify their stature. The middle order failed to produce one good combined counter-attack. The bowlers and specifically the spinners, were toothless and lacked the guile to trouble an opposition famous to fear spin. Sachin’s gaze seemed to be more focused on the distracting critic in the stands, losing his concentration against the English sardar. Duncan fletcher perhaps was in two minds, never reminded that his last engagement with the English was already done. Zaheer turned from bad to worse and the promising Umesh showed that his affair with injuries wasn’t yet over. And lastly, a faithful crowd was busy concocting revenge dreams when sanity would’ve demanded being a little circumspect.
The positives
With the vast majority of aforementioned negatives to be overcome, there were perhaps a few positives too that could be drawn. Pujara played some determined knocks to prove his desire for the no.3 spot. Sehwag showed a rare glimpse maturity and unusual patience amidst his belligerence that fetched him a ton, excusing his otherwise insipid series. Dhoni showed intent in performing, even if it was just individually. Ishant too bowled a few encouraging spells in patches.
Meanwhile, dropping a struggling Gambhir was a positive statement, though I would’ve been glad to see Sehwag accompany his partner through the door. Sehwag’s recent approach to the Irany trophy – the final practice match before the big series – to forgo it due to a stomach upset, seemed a little lackadaisical on his part. On a sincere note, bringing in Ravindra Jadeja might go a long way in helping his talent bloom, as he seems to be growing in confidence each day. He might perhaps be that elusive genuine all-rounder who needs to be groomed for the future. The return of the Turbanator is a decision of confusion though. Given a place for his present merit or past gratitude, he could however be the surprising element to his favourite bunnies.
All said, it’s now highly dependent on one man who holds much influence to the team’s attitude – Sachin Tendulkar. He might now be relatively much lighter, free from a huge monkey off his back, having rendered a host of eager critics jobless. His first series as a pure Test player should be interesting for viewing his approach. Probably, he should look to do what he is reputed for – score a lot of runs!
I was very happy to see him enthusiastic to play every domestic match he could avail of, not as a Sachin fan but as an Indian cricket follower. But the more heartening fact was his change in guard, to rectify the minor fault that seemed to be hampering his prowess of late. His latest mid-stump guard, a minor shift from the leg stump that seemed to be a perfect window to gate-crashing deliveries, is laudable. The immediate effects of such a subtle change were well evident in the return of those majestic straight drives and on-side perfection.
And so, we stand at the cusp of an exciting series and this is the India that awaits Australia. It remains to be seen though, as to which India turns up against Australia – the one that beat them 2-0 or got washed 0-4!
